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5 


HE   SAT  AND   LISTENED  AS  IF   IN   A  TRANCE. — Page  338. 


BY 


AMANDA   M.    DOUGLAS 


FRONTISPIECE   BY  JOHN   GOSS 


BOSTON 
LOTHROP,    LEE   &   SHEPARD   CO. 


COPTBIGHT,    1883,    BY   LlE  AND   SlIEPABD 
COFTBIOHT,   1911,   BT  AMANDA  M.  1>OUOLA8 


All  rights  reterved 


WHOM  KATBIK  MABEIXD 


TO    MY    YOUNG    FEIENDS, 

WHO, 
HAVING   FOLLOWED   KATHIK    THROUGH   HER   CHILDHOOD, 

AND  EXPRESSED  PBOM  TIME  TO  TIME  DEEP  INTEREST 

IN    THE   AFTEB-DAYS    OF   HER   WOMANHOOD, 

WITH   ITS  DUTIES  AND  PLEASURES, 

S^is  Wolunw  is  uffrttioncttlg  Jnsmbri), 

WITH  THE  HOPE  THAT  IT  MAT  ADD  TO  THE  FRIENDSHIP 
SO  CORDIALLY  BEGUN  BETWEEN 

AUTHOR  AND  READER. 
1863.  A.  M.  D. 


2135342   ' 


WHOM   KATHIE  MARRIED. 


CHAPTER   I. 

' '  THEN  you  think  I  ought  not  speak  of  this  to  Kathie  ?  " 

The  fresh,  3roung  voice  had  an  accent  of  entreaty,  as  if 
in  hope  the  listener  might  relent. 

Gen.  Mackenzie  was  softly  pacing  the  polished  floor  of 
the  dusky,  old  time  room  in  the  Piazza,  di  Spagna  while 
his  sou  sat  leaning  his  arm  on  a  small  table,  his  face  par- 
tially averted,  bowed  a  little  on  his  hand. 

"  My  dear  boy,  you  are  both  so  young  —  " 

"  If  you  think  I  shall  change  or  forget —  "  Bruce  began 
vehemently. 

"  No,  no,  it  is  not  that.  I  believe  you  know  your  own 
mind  and  will  keep  it.  I  should  be  sorry  if  I  could  think 
otherwise  of  your  stabilit}- ;  and  it  gives  me  pain  to  re- 
fuse you  an}'thing, —  }rou  must  know  that,  my  dear  son. 
But  for  Kathie's  sake  —  " 

"  I  am  sure  she  loves  me.  She  simply  does  not  under- 
stand ;  but  if  she  thought  of  it  —  " 

"  That  is  just  it.  Listen  a  few  moments  patiently, 
Bruce,  remembering  that  there  is  no  one  in  the  world 
whose  welfare  can  be  of  quite  such  keen  interest  to  me. 
Kathie  is  still  a  sweet,  innocent,  unawakened  child  You 
and  she  have  been  like  brother  and  sister  all  these  months, 
and  she  has  not  the  slightest  suspicion  of  any  warmer  re- 
gard on  your  part.  It  is  not  time  for  her  to  think  of  love. 
She  ought  to  go  on  in  this  unconscious,  untroubled  way  a 


6  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

year  or  two  longer :  she  has  so  much  to  see,  so  much  to 
learn,  before  she  can  even  judge  herself  correctly.  Why 
should  we  lay  a  burden  on  her,  confuse  and  trouble  her 
perceptions  as  to  what  is  coming  to  herself? " 

"A  burden!  As  if  I  would  make  it  any  burden!" 
with  the  confident  ring  of  youth.  "  She  need  not  be  en- 
gaged. She  can  go  on  just  as  she  is  now :  I  am  not  a 
jealous  fool !  " 

"  Bruce,  a  marriage  engagement  is  too  solemn  a  thing 
to  hold  that  way.  Either  one  must  be  bound  or  free. 
These  half-measures  place  a  girl  in  a  very  equivocal  posi- 
tion. I  should  like  to  return  her  to  her  mother  as  simple 
and  childlike  as  she  is  now.  She  was  intrusted  to  our 
care,  and  you  see  it  is  a  point  of  honor.  If  Mrs.  Alston 
were  here  to  decide,  or  if  Kathie  were  a  year  or  two 
older  —  " 

"  Still,  I  do  not  think  Mrs.  Alston  would  question  }'our 
judgment,"  returned  Bruce,  with  pardonable  pride. 

"  That  is  one  reason  why  I  am  so  scrupulous.  Because 
I  might  so  easily  take  the  right  of  deciding  her  child's 
future,  I  do  not  want  to  feel  that  we  hastened  any  change 
in  her.  If  she  does  care  for  you,  your  absence  will  help 
her  to  find  it  out.  She  will  contrast  others  with  you,  and 
for  this  cause,  as  well  as  more  personal  ones,  I  want  your 
standard  kept  high  and  pure.  Take  the  noblest,  manliest 
view  of  it,  my  dear  son.  Think  of  her  for  the  next  two 
or  three  years,  perhaps,  living  upon  your  letters,  exagger- 
ating, no  doubt,  the  dangers  to  which  you  may  be  ex- 
posed, never  feeling  that  she  has  the  right  to  be  quite  care 
free,  denying  herself  many  innocent  pleasures  through  what 
she  considers  her  duty  to  you.  Do  you  not  see  that  it 
would  eat  the  heart  and  the  sweetness  out  of  girlhood  ?  " 

The  young  man  was  silent  a  moment,  then  he  rose 
suddenly. 

' '  You  think  it  would  be  selfish  in  me,  I  know  you  do ; 
and  it  is." 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  7 

There  was  a  new  resolution  visible  in  every  feature,  as 
he  stood  in  the  dying  light  by  the  western  window.  It 
was  a  noble  face,  full  of  health  and  energy,  and  a  certain 
integrity  that  would  command  respect  anywhere. 

"  I  had  not  looked  at  it  in  that  light  before ;  I  was 
thinking  of  myself  and  the  fear  of  losing  her.  You  will 
guard  her  for  me?"  And  his  tone  was  full  of  tender  en- 
treaty. 

A  softened  commendation  shone  in  the  father's  eyes,  as 
he  crossed  to  his  son,  and  Bruce,  linking  his  arm  in  that  of 
the  other,  resumed  the  slow  pacing  with  him. 

"  I  will  do  my  best,  but,"  with  a  fond  smile,  "  I  do  not 
think  she  will  require  much  guarding.  And  I  need  not  ask 
you  to  keep  honorable  in  thought,  word,  and  deed  for  her 
sake.  You  have  passed  through  some  of  the  perils  of 
early  manhood  unscathed  ;  but  in  the  frontier  life,  to  which 
you  are  going,  there  will  be  new  temptations,  and,  not  the 
least,  the  subtle  ennui  of  idleness.  0  my  boy,  I  should 
like  to  keep  you  with  me  always  !  " 

Bruce  pressed  the  hand  he  was  holding  to  his  lips.  To 
the  boy  his  father  had  been  the  ideal  of  all  that  was  noble 
and  worthy  of  admiration.  The  strain  and  peril  of  all 
those  years  of  civil  war  had  given  his  soul  a  larger  growth 
than  the  tranquil  times  of  peace. 

"  It  gratifies  us  to  see  our  sons  and  daughters  taking 
their  places  in  the  great  world,  and  yet  it  brings  a  pang  of 
sadness.  They  can  only  be  children  of  memory,  and  the 
after-friendship  must  be  largely  their  own  gift.  We  have 
been  more  than  ordinarily  near  and  dear,  and,  Bruce,  it 
pains  me  to  refuse  you ;  but  I  have  tried  to  keep  to  the 
highest  right  and  sense  of  honor." 

"  I  am  not  sure  but  it  will  be  a  better  discipline  for  me 
if  it  has  a  little  bitter  flavor.  It  is  something  to  strive 
for,  to  win.  I  shall  try  to  make  myself  worthy  of  her, 
and  to  keep  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  whom  I  love. 
You  will  not  blame  me  for  placing  her  first  ? " 


8  WHOM    KATHIE    MAKRIED. 

"  I  hold  that  a  man  has  as  good  a  right  to  strive  ear 
nestly  for  the  woman  he  loves  as  for  any  other  great  prize 
of  life  ;  and  often  an  aim  of  this  kind  is  the  best  incentive 
for  a  young  man,  since  out  of  it  springs  the  wider  duties 
of  life  and  citizenship." 

"  It  has  been  such  a  happy  year !  "  Bruce  said  in  a  tone 
of  lingering  enjoyment.  "  I  ought  to  be  the  more  ready 
to  go  back  after  such  a  grand  holiday  ;  but  there  seems 
so  little  that  is  heroic  in  frontier  life,  so  little  to  do,  con- 
trasted with  the  stirring  years  of  the  past.  It  is  only  the 
steady  tramp,  now." 

"  '  That  all  the  good  the  past  has  had 
Remains  to  make  our  own  life  glad,  — 
Our  common,  daily  life  divine, 
And  every  land  a  Palestine,"  " 

repeated  his  father. 

"  Brave,  gentle  Whittier,"  rejoined  Bruce.  "  I  will  try 
to  remember  that  among  the  many  noble  truths  he  has 
sung." 

' '  "We  are  so  apt  to  think  our  own  times  prosaic ;  but 
occasionally  the  victories  of  peace  are  greater  to  a  nation 
than  those  of  war.  Heroes  are  often  called  into  being  by 
the  emergenc}'  of  the  hour,  and  there  is  an  inspiration  in 
being  called  upon  to  perform  a  great  deed ;  but  it  often 
takes  more  real  strength  and  principle  to  fulfil  the  daily 
duties  that  are  demanded  of  every  human  being,  both  by 
God  and  his  neighbor." 

Bruce  was  silent :  he  had  fallen  into  a  revery.  He  had 
enjoyed  being  at  West  Point,  and  the  prestige  of  his 
father's  name  had  given  him  a  leaning  toward  military 
life,  yet  he  wondered  if  he  would  make  the  same  choice 
now.  He  had  no  right  to  shirk :  he  owed  his  country 
her  meed  of  service,  even  if  it  was  guarding  a  frontier  out- 
post against  marauding  Indians  and  affording  protection 
to  travelling  traders.  He  had  come  to  dream  of  home 
life,  of  daily  love,  of  sweeter  duties,  and  the  other  looked 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

bald  and  barren.  What  was  it  he  had  read  somewhere  — 
about  girding  one's  self  like  a  good  soldier  ? 

"  Bruce?  "  The  elder  paused,  in  a  tone  of  soft,  doubt- 
ful inquiry. 

"  I  was  thinking  —  of  all  the  outlying  things  —  shall  I 
call  them  so?  Of  the  years  to  come." 

"  I  am  glad  you  can  look  at  it  in  that  light,"  in  a  greatly 
relieved  tone.  "  And  you  are  not  unhappy?" 

"  I  cannot  promise  that  I  will  not  be  unhappy  when  I 
am  alone  by  myself,  but  I  am  not  as  wretched  as  I  thought 
I  should  be  an  hour  ago,  when  you  asked  me  to  —  to  sac- 
rifice my  own  desire.  And  yet  I  am  just  as  much  in  love 
with  Kathie  ;  and  the  horrible  fear  comes  over  me  —  what 
if  I  should  lose  her !  At  least  you  will  let  me  write.  My 
letters  may  come  in  yours,  unsealed." 

The  father's  heart  was  deeply  touched. 

"  Bruce,  in  this  matter  I  trust  you  unreservedly.  And 
I  think  I  can  answer  for  the  others,  when  the  proper  time 
comes." 

"  Thank  you,"  with  a  warm,  earnest  pressure  of  the 
hand.  Then  suddenly,  "We  must  have  lights :  I  hear 
them  coming." 

There  was  a  sound  of  footfalls  and  voices  on  the  stairs, 
and  before  the  apartment  was  really  illumined,  the  door 
opened,  and  Mrs.  Mackenzie  entered  with  her  niece.  A 
certain  matronly  grace  marked  the  changes  the  years  had 
brought  Aunt  Ruth  ;  but  Kathie  Alston,  to  stranger  eyes, 
would  have  been  an  undeniable  young  lady.  A  fresh,  fair, 
slender  girl,  with  the  delicate  complexion  of  her  country- 
women, and  a  charm  that  was  not  so  much  beauty,  per- 
haps, as  the  candor,  grace,  and  purity  of  childhood  still 
clinging  about  her.  Certainly  foreigners  who  met  her  did 
not  have  to  complain  of  aggressiveness  or  imprudent  frank- 
ness. She  was  rather  shy  of  strangers,  but  enjoyed  every- 
thing in  such*a  wholesome,  happy  way  that  tired  eyes  and 
weary  brains  sometimes  watched  her  with  envy. 


10  WHOM    KATIIIE    MARRIED. 

"  Oh,"  she  began  now  with  a  bright  little  laugh,  "  you 
were  sitting  in  the  dark,  telling  secrets  ;  but  you  will  have 
to  repeat  every  little  plot  and  plan !  O  Bruce,  I  wish 
you  could  have  been  there  and  heard  Signora  Biondo! 
She  has  such  an  exquisite  voice.  Only,  it  was  so  queer 
not  to  ask  any  gentlemen." 

"They  might  have  frightened  the  young  debutante," 
said  Bruce,  glad  of  the  cover  of  a  commonplace. 

"  She  does  n't  look  so  very  young,  does  she,  Aunt  Ruth? 
And  she  is  n't  beautiful ;  but  I  believe  celebrities  seldom 
are.  She  is  going  to  Milan  to  make  her  debut,  and  then 
to  St.  Petersburg." 

"  And  then  to  America,  that  harvest  for  singers," 
rejoined  Bruce. 

"  No  doubt.  Wouldn't  it  be  odd  to  hear  her  there 
some  time,  Aunt  Ruth?  But  it  was  delightful.  And  did 
you  stay  in  all  the  afternoon?  Were  you  planning  cam- 
paigns with  uncle  ?  " 

She  turned  her  clear  eyes  full  upon  him.  Bruce  studied 
her  face  curiously  in  the  softened  lamplight.  It  was  frank, 
friendly,  tender  with  the  peculiar  sympathy  of  her  nature  ; 
yet  she  did  not  shrink  or  color,  or  drop  her  eyes  to  veil 
any  secret.  She  loved  him  very  much,  but  she  was  not 
in  love  with  him.  The  pleasant  intercourse  of  the  past 
months  had  made  them  friends,  cousins,  as  Bruce  had  at 
first  insisted ;  but  his  father  was  right,  —  it  was  not  her 
time  to  love. 

"Oh  !  "  she  exclaimed  with  a  little  confusion,  "  I  don't 
want  you  to  think  —  We  are  all  sorry ;  /  am  sorry  to 
have  you  go." 

"  Then  you  must  be  glad  —  " 

"The  sentences  do  not  join  properly."  There  was  a 
little  gravity  in  her  tone.  "  But  you  do  know." 

"  I  think  he  does,"  answered  his  father,  as  a  flush  of 
color  dyed  his  son's  face  for  an  instant. 

Kathie  began  to  take  off  her  wraps.     Yes,  she  should 


WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED.  11 

miss  Bruce  every  day  and  hour ;  and  if  the  Merediths 
were  not  coming,  she  would  want  to  go  back  to  America 
herself :  sometimes  such  a  homesick  longing  came  over  her. 

The  tea  was  brought  in,  and  the  conversation  was  kept 
to  safe  general  topics.  Then  some  American  friends  called, 
and  after  a  little  they  dropped  into  the  silence  of  reading 
and  thinking. 

Just  as  they  were  parting  for  the  night,  Kathie  went 
over  to  Bruce. 

"  I  am  going  to  tell  you,"  she  began  in  her  soft,  com- 
forting tone,  "  how  glad  I  am  that  we  had  Scotland  and 
England  together,  and  the  Alps,  and  that  great,  strange, 
barbaric  Russia,  for  at  home  we  can  go  over  the  bits  and 
fragments  of  remembrance.  You  will  be  ready  for  a 
vacation,  —  or  a  furlough,  is  n't  it,  —  by  the  time  we  return. 
And  I  shall  not  care  so  much  for  Paris  and  the  rest." 

He  was  glad  she  could  not  see  his  face  in  that  dim  light. 

"And  —  you  do  not  think  — that  I  shall  not  be  sorry 
to  have  you  go  ?  "  with  a  little  falter  in  her  voice. 

"  O  Kathie,  how  could  I  think  that?  " 

' '  You  know  it  is  as  uncle  said ;  there  is  no  choice  about 
it.  We  must  give  you  up  for  a  little  while,  and  I  have 
been  trying  to  be  brave  and  —  " 

"Oh,  my  darling,  don't!"  Bruce  cried  suddenly;  "I 
know —  There,  you  are  actually  making  a  coward  of  me, 
—  a  soldier  and  a  soldier's  son.  I  shall  think  of  you  often, 
always  ;  and  you  must  send  a  little  remembrance  now  and 
then." 

"  Yes.  Good  night."  She  stooped  and  kissed  him  on 
the  forehead,  as  any  sister  might.  He  pressed  her  hand 
to  his  lips,  then  let  her  go.  It  would  be  like  caging  a 
bird  in  May,  to  speak,  to  bind  her  by  any  promise. 

And  yet  he  wondered.  With  a  young  man's  jealous 
fervor,  he  had  a  fear  that  whoever  saw  and  learned  to 
know  Kathie  would  want  her.  What  if  he  should  miss 
the  golden  moment  of  her  awakening ! 


12  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Kathie  thought  the  parting  over  sadly  enough  when  her 
head  first  touched  the  pillow :  it  had  been  such  a  happy 
time,  —  all  their  foreign  tour  so  far. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meredith  had  gone  over  with  them.  The 
voyage  had  proved  delightful,  with  only  a  trifle  of  seasick- 
ness. Kathie  had  been  a  little  shy  at  first  with  her  new 
cousin,  but  Aunt  Ruth  and  her  step-son  were  very  dear 
friends. 

The  party  had  all  gone  up  to  London.  There  was  so 
much  to  see  and  verify,  so  much  of  history  and  legend 
and  song  ;  so  like  home,  and  yet  so  different,  the  likeness 
being  greatly  the  familiarity  of  speech. 

Bruce  and  Kathie  were  out  every  day  with  the  General 
or  Mr. 'Meredith  when  the  ladies  could  not  go,  — for  the 
baby  occupied  Jessie  a  great  deal,  and  Aunt  Ruth  was 
not  strong  enough  to  stand  the  fatigue  ;  but  there  were 
stage-coach  and  railroad  jaunts  to  pretty  country  places  of 
note,  ruined  castles,  and  long-ago  battle-fields. 

"  It  makes  it  so  real,"  Kathie  said. 

There  were  odd  little  bits, — provincialism,  English  quaint- 
ness,  the  greener}'  of  gardens  and  fields,  little  towus  with 
their  narrow  streets  and  old  inns,  peaceful  rivers,  peasants, 
and  tidy  maids.  Gen.  Mackenzie  kept  the  young  peo- 
ple away  from  the  darker  side,  —  the  crowded  cities  with 
their  streets  of  want  and  crime.  Theirs  was  the  pleasure 
tour  of  youth. 

Then  the  party  separated.  Business  called  Mr.  Mere- 
dith to  Paris,  where  he  was  likely  to  spend  the  winter. 
The  Mackenzies  went  to  Scotland  and  spent  the  eaily  au- 
tumn rambling  about  slowly  as  Aunt  Ruth  could  take  it. 
There  was  as  much  of  romantic  interest,  in  fact,  more,  I 
think,  to  the  young  people  ;  and  perhaps,  too,  there  was 
more  time  devoted  to  it.  There  was  some  far-back  ances- 
try  that  seemed  to  claim  kinship,  and  Bruce  hunted  up  all 
the  places  made  famous  by  the  hero  from  whom  he  had 
taken  his  name.  There  were  other  heroes  and  knights, 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  13 

haunts  and  castles,  and  Holyrood,  with  its  sad  story  of  a 
checkered  life  and  tragic  ending. 

"  It  seems  strange  to  think  of  Queen  Mary  as  a  pretty 
French  princess,  with  life  and  love  and  the  luxury  of  the 
time  all  before  her,  when  }*ou  contrast  with  it  her  dreary 
prison  years.  I  never  can  wholly  approve  Queen  Eliza- 
beth," said  Kathie  with  warm  resentment. 

"  I  do  not  suppose  there  ever  was  any  great  event  or 
dispute  where  one  side  was  wholly  right,"  said  the  General ; 
"there  were  always  partisans  to  inflame  both  queens, 
and  to  sow  dissension  between  them.  Elizabeth,  we  must 
admit,  was  suspicious  and  jealous,  and  poor  Mary  fell 
upon  evil  times,  even  if  she  were  as  fair  as  her  best  histo- 
rians represent  her." 

"  But  the  strange  thing,"  remarked  Bruce,  "  is  the  curi- 
ous love  and  veneration  the  Scotch  seem  to  exhibit  about 
her  now,  and  the  hatred  with  which  they  pursued  her  then. 
You  almost  feel  now  as  if  she  had  been  idolized." 

"  That  is  the  romance  of  time,"  said  his  father.  "  I  think 
they  had  a  chivalrous  love  for  their  queen,  while  their  rigid 
principles  led  them  to  distrust  and  despise  the  woman." 

There  was  Abbotsford  to  be  visited,  and  the  young  peo- 
ple evinced  a  sudden  interest  in  Sir  "Walter  Scott's  novels. 
They  found  so  many  historic  places,  celebrated  battle- 
fields, and  lochs  with  legends  of  song.  "  The  Lady  of  the 
Lake "  was  exhumed,  Bruce  and  Kathie  taking  turns  in 
reading  aloud. 

Gen.  Mackenzie  had  some  governmental  business  at  St. 
Petersburg,  so  they  were  to  take  Russia  as  their  next 
abiding-place.  At  first  Kathie  had  tried  to  write  letters 
home  and  to  the  girls  full  of  descriptions  of  the  wonderful 
sights ;  but  she  found  it  was  not  possible  to  keep  it  up. 
Aunt  Ruth  considered  it  quite  too  great  a  tax. 

' '  You  will  have  all  winter  to  get  your  memories  into 
shape,"  she  said.  "  You  can  see  now,  and  write  it  out 
afterward." 


14  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  It  seems  as  if  I  should  see  it  always,"  returned  Kathie. 
"  The  pretty  rivers  with  their  still  prettier  names, —  the  Dee 
and  Tay  and  Ayr,  —  the  firths  and  the  lochs,  and  the 
Minch,  with  its  countless  islands.  I  really  could  draw  a 
map  from  remembrance.  I  used  to  wonder  sometimes  if 
man}^  of  these  places  were  not  put  down  for  the  bother - 
ment  of  one's  brains."  And  she  laughed  over  what  had 
once  been  quite  a  trouble. 

The  travellers  felt  at  liberty  to  diverge  from  regular 
routes,  and  as  Bruce  had  a  great  desire  to  see  something 
of  Norway  and  Sweden,  they  took  those  next,  aud  then 
made  a  little  stay  at  Copenhagen.  Kathie  declared  this 
was  the  first  of  their  foreign  tour  where  speech  and  attire 
and  modes  of  living  were  so  different.  "  And  we  cannot 
learn  every  language,"  she  declared  in  dismay. 

Bruce  was  a  very  good  German  scholar,  and  though 
Kathie  had  been  reading  it  for  the  last  j'ear,  it  was  quite 
another  thing  to  converse  readily. 

"  For  there  are  so  man}'  different  kinds,"  she  said,  sadly 
puzzled.  "  Now  one  American  always  can  understand 
another." 

' '  But  we  could  n't  understand  all  the  English  or  all  the 
Scotch,"  returned  Bruce.  "  And  here  abroad  there  have 
been  so  many  petty  kingdoms  and  places,  and  different 
tribes  and  nations  getting  mixed  all  the  time,  yet  each  one 
jealous  for  its  own  nationality  ;  and  then,  as  one  has  ab- 
sorbed the  other,  there  comes  to  be  a  sort  of  mixed  dialect. 
But  it  seems  to  me  as  if  everybody  would  speak  English  at 
last :  foreigners  acquire  a  little  of  it  so  easily." 

Gen.  Mackenzie  was  much  interested  in  comparing 
different  forms  of  governments  and  their  results,  and 
Kathie  often  spent  a  day  with  Aunt  Ruth  while  they  were 
occupied  with  what  Bruce  called  the  weightier  matters  of 
pleasure.  On  such  days  she  declared  she  studied  German 
and  geography. 

They  went  up  the  Baltic  Sea  and  coast  of  Sweden  as 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  15 

far  as  Stockholm.  Winter  was  coming  on,  and  though 
St.  Petersburg  was  their  next  point,  it  was  a  question 
whether  the  ladies  could  take  any  pleasure  in  so  rigorous 
a  climate  ;  but  Bruce  thought  half  the  delight  would  be 
wanting  if  they  were  not  there  to  share  it,  and  Kathie 
declared  it  would  be  a  great  pit}'  to  miss  one  of  the  grand- 
est capitals  in  the  world.  They  would  be  sure  to  take 
good  care  of  Aunt  Ruth,  and  she  was  not  afraid  of  the 
cold. 

They  felt  well  repaid  for  their  daring.  The  wonderful 
city  filled  them  with  amazement.  Long  quays  of  massive 
granite  hide  the  marshy  shores  of  the  Neva,  that  must 
have  looked  formidable  to  even  such  a  conqueror  as  Peter 
the  Great.  But  he  saw  with  the  e}*e  of  genius  that  there 
was  no  other  place  so  well  disposed  for  both  safety  and 
menace,  and  he  rescued  the  land  from  the  grip  of  the  sea, 
and  laid  a  foundation  of  such  durability  that  palaces, 
churches,  bridges,  and  obelisks  stand  securely  and  bid 
defiance  to  the  forces  of  nature. 

Bruce  and  Kathie  had  many  excursions  to  themselves,  as 
the  General  was  quite  occupied  at  first.  They  never  tired 
of  the  wonderful  winter  palace,  the  churches  and  obelisks, 
and  the  Hermitage,  with  its  accumulation  of  pictures, 
sculptures,  and  gems ;  and  though  its  royal  founder, 
Catherine,  had  long  since  passed  away,  there  were  many 
reminders  of  her  lavish  expenditure. 

' '  I  think  the  term  '  barbaric  splendor '  is  just  right 
when  applied  to  Eussia,"  said  Kathie  :  "it  is  so  magnifi- 
cent, and  it  is  full  of  Eastern  luxury  as  well.  But  now  we 
seem  right  in  the  heart  of  foreign  travel,  do  we  not  ?  " 

"You  will  seem  almost  in  the  heart  of  the  East  when 
you  get  to  Moscow,"  the  General  returned.  "  St.  Peters- 
burg is  quite  Europeanized  in  comparison." 

The  Mackenzies  stumbled  over  some  old  military  men 
who  had  been  through  our  own  war.  Bruce  received  sev- 
eral very  complimentar}'  invitations,  and  went  with  his 


16  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

father  to  different  places  where  it  would  have  been  incon' 
venient  for  ladies.  But  Kathie  had  a  great  deal  of  pleas- 
ure ;  operas  and  theatres  were  extremely  brilliant,  and 
the  Kibitka  sledging  very  exhilarating  when  it  was  not 
too  cold.  Aunt  Ruth  enjoyed  the  opera,  and  several  din- 
ners that  she  attended  with  the  General,  but  most  of  the 
out-door  excursions  were  impossible  for  her.  She  was 
ver}'  happy,  however,  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  young  peo- 
ple, and  proud  of  her  fine-looking  step-son.  Kathie  and 
he  settled  to  very  friendly  ways,  and  occasionally  some 
one,  in  speaking  of  her,  said,  "  Your  sister." 

"  I  am  not  sure  but  I  shall  have  to  adopt  you,"  the  Gen- 
eral remarked  with  a  smile. 

"  I  don't  always  explain,"  said  Aunt  Ruth  :  "  it  makes 
such  a  little  difference." 


CHAPTER  II. 

IT  was  as  the  General  said,  Moscow  seemed  indeed  a 
collection  of  cities,  the  past,  the  present,  the  old  world  and 
the  new,  and  was  like  nothing,  Kathie  declared,  so  much 
as  the  "  Arabian  Nights."  The  Tartar  impress  seemed 
everywhere  with  its  glittering  crescent,  the  minaret,  and 
the  swelling  dome.  The  muezzin  still  called  to  prayer 
from  the  roof  of  his  mosque  ;  but  by  its  side  were  pagodas 
of  China,  Byzantine  churches,  and  the  triumphant  Greek 
cross,  Grecian  temples,  French  palaces,  Turkish  bazaars 
and  German  beer- houses,  every  variety  of  costume  and 
feature,  bizarre  and  picturesque,  every  nation  under  the 
sun  it  seemed. 

They  soon  became  comfortably  domesticated,  and  with 
the  experience  of  the  last  two  months  quite  prepared  to 
feel  at  home.  Gen.  Mackenzie  regretted  they  could  not 
have  had  this  part  of  their  tour  in  the  summer,  when  gar- 
dens and  fields  were  in  their  glory,  instead  of  continuous 
snow  and  ice. 

But  they  had  some  gay  times  skating  and  sledging  ;  and 
the  Kremlin  was  a  source  of  unfailing  interest  and  wonder. 
They  visited  the  point  from  which  Napoleon's  army 
advanced  on  the  silent  glittering  city,  shrouded  in  snow, 
with  its  mosques  and  minarets  sparkling  as  now,  but  with 
the  more  subtle  fire  at  its  heart  that  was  to  subdue  and 
dishearten  its  conqueror.  Then  they  ascended  the  tower 
of  Ivan  Veliki,  the  great  belfry,  and  had  all  of  Moscow  at 
their  feet,  with  the  Moskva  winding  in  and  out,  and 
almost  doubling  upon  itself. 


18  WHOM   KATHIE   MAREIED. 

The  cathedral  of  St.  Basil,  with  its  many  towers,  each 
one  enclosing  a  chapel,  the  cathedral  of  St.  Michael,  and 
the  church  of  the  Assumption  held  them  spell-bound  with 
dazzling  altars  and  shrine  pictures  set  with  jewels.  Then 
the  grand  halls,  with  their  inlaid  floors  and  the  soft  gleam 
of  many  tinted  marbles,  the  jewelled  thrones  of  the  great 
Russian  monarchs  with  their  crowns,  the  treasures  and 
emblems  of  conquered  and  subjugated  kingdoms,  the  treas- 
ures that  make  the  Kremlin,  beside  its  historic  associa- 
tions, the  Mecca  of  the  Russians,  for  within  it  is  gathered 
all  that  is  most  venerated  in  religion  and  the  most  cher- 
ished in  historical  tradition. 

They  remained  so  long  in  Moscow  that  they  made  some 
friends  and  began  to  feel  very  much  at  home,  though  it 
seemed  to  Kathie  that  they  might  go  on  making  discover- 
ies for  a  lifetime.  But  it  was  decided  at  length  to  go  on 
to  Warsaw,  and  from  thence  presently  to  Berlin. 

After  some  months  of  pleasant  wandering  through  Ger- 
man cities  and  towns,  of  studying  picture  galleries  and 
churches,  highwa}-s  and  byways,  mountains  and  lakes,  our 
travellers  came  on  to  Rome,  where  they  were  to  meet  the 
Merediths  presently.  Bruce's  recall  found  them  here, 
and  as  he  had  exceeded  his  year,  it  was  deemed  advisible 
for  him  to  return.  It  would  hardly  have  been  possible  for 
any  young  man  of  Bruce's  tastes  and  habits  of  thought 
not  to  have  admired  his  girl  companion,  and  for  the  reason 
of  the  familiar  association,  Gen.  Mackenzie  distrusted  a  lit- 
tle the  true  temper  of  the  regard  :  both  were  so  young,  and 
the  intimacy  had  been  that  of  brother  and  sister  ;  besides, 
Kathie  certainly  was  unconscious  of  any  warmer  regard. 

That  evening  he  discussed  the  matter  with  his  wife. 

"  I  think  you  were  very —  shall  I  say  heroic?  Spartan- 
like  is  better,  I  believe."  And  she  glanced  up  with  a  wist- 
ful smile.  "  Was  it  not  hard  to  refuse  your  own?" 

"  You  don't  mean,  Ruth,  that— and  it  seemed  like  tak- 
ing an  advantage  of  your  sister,"  he  ended  abruptly 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  19 

"  Dora  would  not  have  been  displeased,  of  that  I  am 
quite  sure.  Still,  Kathie  is  such  a  mere  child  she  would 
hardly  know  what  love  meant." 

' '  And  it  is  not  right  to  bind  her  by  an  engagement 
until  she  does  know  what  it  means.  I  think  she  would 
assent,  and  make  herself  at  home  in  the  new  strange  feel- 
Ing,  and  come  in  time  to  love  with  her  whole  heart ;  but 
would  it  not  be  anticipating  the  bloom  and  newness  of 
love,  tr}7ing  for  it?  And  it  would  of  necessity  change  the 
current  of  her  thoughts,  her  enjoyments  —  " 

"  How  odd  that  you  should  think  most  of  Kathie's  wel- 
fare, while  I  lean  to  that  of  Bruce  !  Yet  I  do  not  know 
as  it  would  be  best  for  either  of  them,  and  I  am  not  much 
of  a  believer  in  children's  engagements,  only  I  have  a 
woman's  fondness  for  lovers."  And  she  smiled  softly 
again. 

' '  Yet  I  do  dread  to  lay  a  burden  on  her.  To  my  mind 
she  is  still  a  sweet,  innocent  child,  and  as  such  she  ought 
to  go  on  for  another  year  or  two.  Let  them  be  friends, 
let  them  correspond  as  he  proposes  ;  and  if  Kathie's  time 
of  blossoming  comes,  let  her  feel  the  exquisiteness  of  a 
preference.  Let  her  choose,  as  well  as  be  chosen." 

Bruce  had  a  new  interest  in  his  mother's  eyes  the  next 
daj7,  although  she  refrained  from  any  overt  touch  of 
6}Tmpathy  that  might  betray  her  real  knowledge.  They 
were  all  to  go  to  see  him  off,  as  he  was  to  embark  on  a 
government  vessel  bound  for  home. 

There  was  a  quiet  manliness  in  Bruce  that  surprised  his 
father,  who  seemed  to  realize  for  the  first  time  that  his 
son  had  come  to  man's  estate  in  every  respect. 

A  sad  and  tearful  good-by,  —  that  was  as  a  matter  of 
course ;  but  there  was  something  to  occup}r  them  imme- 
diately, a  letter  from  the  Merediths,  asking  them  to  find 
rooms,  that  they  might  be  as  neighborly  as  possible.  So 
Aunt  Ruth  and  Kathie  started  at  once,  since  there  were  no 
vacant  apartments  at  their  hotel.  It  was  quite  a  search, 


20  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

and  presently  they  were  rewarded  by  a  chance  of  two  rooms 
in  an  old  palace  on  the  next  square,  which  an  Austrian 
countess  had  just  left.  The}'  all  went  to  meet  and  welcome 
them,  and  Kathie's  parting  thoughts  of  Bruce  were  very 
much  confused,  since  as  yet  she  could  not  realize  the  void 
made  by  his  going.  But  oh,  how  delightful  the  familiar 
faces  looked  ;  and  Mr.  Meredith's  hearty,  joyous  voice 
brought  back  old  times  to  the  child's  heart.  There  was  the 
pleasant  tumult  of  greeting,  of  being  packed  in  the  voiture 
and  taken  at  once  to  the  Mackenzies,  while  the  luggage 
was  hunted  up  and  despatched  to  the  new  domicile. 

She  was  so  glad  to  see  them !  Jessie  had  changed 
greatly.  There  was  a  certain  something  her  sister-in-law 
would  have  called  style  and  aplomb.  No  one  would  have 
ventured  to  hint  that  Mrs.  Meredith  was  countrified  now. 
The  girlish  prettiness  had  merged  into  a  matronly  piquancy 
and  dignity  that  would  be  able  to  hold  its  own  under  the 
most  critical  eyes.  Her  dresses  were  exquisite,  and  her 
gloves  and  bonnets  truly  French. 

As  for  Robin,  he  was  simply  superb.  He  had  grown 
so  since  Kathie  had  parted  with  him ;  he  could  walk  and 
talk,  and  his  French  was  the  cunningest  thing  in  the 
world. 

Their  rooms  were  satisfactory,  and  they  were  delighted 
to  be  with  their  friends.  Mr.  Meredith  remarked  the 
change  in  Kathie,  —  she  was  so  much  taller,  even  if  she  had 
not  outgrown  the  sweet  child's  face  and  unworldly  air, 
and  the  trick  of  being  warmly  enthusiastic. 

"It  was  too  bad  that  Bruce  had  to  return,"  declared 
Jessie.  "  I  am  disappointed,  for  I  wanted  to  see  him  so 
much." 

"  We  were  all  so  sorry,"  said  Kathie  with  unaffected 
regret.  "And  we  have  had  such  delightful  times." 

"  I  never  knew  one  could  become  such  an  enthusiastic 
Russian,"  returned  Mr.  Meredith,  while  Jessie  was  study- 
ing the  fair  girl-faca.  "  I  did  n't  know  but  you  would  end 


WHOM    KATIIIE    MARRIED.  21 

by  taking  some  fierce  count  with  an  unpronounceable 
name,  and  then  I  should  have  disowned  you." 

Kathie  smiled  a  little  at  that.  "  Oh,"  she  said  archly, 
"  you  know  I  was  not  out,  had  not  been  presented,  and 
all  that  sort  of  thing !  And  everybody  thought  I  was 
Bruce's  sister ;  one  lady  even  congratulated  me  once  upon 
my  resemblance  to  him." 

' '  I  have  heard  of  people  living  together  until  they  grew 
to  look  alike,"  said  Jessie  ;  and  then  she  made  a  sudden 
pause. 

"  I  did  have  a  fancy,"  she  said  afterward  to  her  hus- 
band, "  that  something  deeper  than  cousinly  regard  would 
grow  up  between  these  young  people  when  they  came  to 
be  daily  companions.  What  French  woman  would  trust 
her  daughter  so  unreservedly  with  a  young  man  not  her 
brother  !  Yet  I  dare  say  the  French  maiden  would  give  her 
chances  for  matrimony  many  a  thought,  while  the  idea  has 
not  j^et  entered  Kathie's  head." 

"  There  is  plenty  of  time  for  love  and  all  that.  For  the 
credit  of  my  young  countrywomen  I  am  glad  there  is  one 
American  girl  innocent  of  matrimonial  intentions,  though, 
truth  to  tell,  I  think  it  a  libel.  See  how  many  American 
girls  we  met  at  Paris  intent  upon  their  studies,  and  not  at 
all  anxious  about  society.  But  how  odd  it  would  be  for 
some  one  to  have  a  better  right  to  Kathie  than  her  friends 
and  relatives." 

"  Of  course  the  relatives  come  last,"  laughed  Jessie, 
lapsing  into  thought  and  silence.  Yes,  it  would  seem  un- 
natural for  any  stranger  to  win  Kathie.  And  then  came 
a  little  wonder,  as  she  remembered  one  to  whom  Kathie 
had  always  been  first  and  best.  If  this  fascinating  young 
cadet  had  made  no  other  than  a  cousinly  impression  — 

"  What  conspiracy  are  you  planning  now?  "  her  husband 
asked  suddenly. 

"  Oh !  "  Jessie  turned  scarlet.  Not  even  to  him  —  hardly 
to  her  own  soul  —  would  she  admit  her  thought. 


22  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  I  warn  you  to  beware  of  plots  and  plans  in  behalf  of 
titled  foreigners.  Americans  for  the  American,  say  I.  As 
soon  as  I  scent  danger  in  the  air,  I  shall  whisk  Kathie  off 
home." 

"  To  all  of  which  I  consent  heartily,"  was  her  reply. 

There  was  so  much  to  talk  over  on  both  sides.  Kathie 
had  seen  the  most  wonderful  places ;  but  Jessie,  too,  had 
taken  out-of-the-way  journeys  to  the  South  of  France,  and 
embarked  finally  at  Marseilles.  Switzerland  they  would 
have  together. 

"  What  will  you  give  me  for  my  news  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Mer- 
edith when  he  had  received  his  first  instalment  of  letters. 
"A  surprise  !  " 

"  Some  one  is  coming  out,"  guessed  Kathie,  glancing 
up  from  her  romp  with  the  baby. 

"  No.  A  marriage,  without  any  foreign  tour,  of  a  once 
very  fashionable  girl !  " 

"Oh,  it  is  n't  Ada?" 

"  Yes,  it  is  Ada.  Her  father  is  delighted  with  his  new 
son." 

"  But  who  is  it?"  asked  Kathie.  "I  can't  recall  any 
one.  But  we  have  been  awaj7  so  long." 

"Oh,  I  am  quite  certain  you  saw  him  at  Dr.  Mark- 
ham's." 

Kathie  studied  a  moment. 

"  Don't  tease  her,"  begged  Jessie.     "Dr.  Gamier." 

"  Oh,  then  Dr.  Markham  is  pleased  !  " 

"  Yes.  He  has  shown  it  in  a  very  substantial  manner. 
He  insisted  upon  furnishing  their  librar}'.  He  had  taken 
the  young  man  under  his  wing  before  we  left  New  York ; 
and  I  think  it  an  excellent  choice." 

"  Did  Ada's  mother  like  it?"  ventured  Kathie,  a  little 
as  if  she  was  treading  on  dangerous  ground. 

"  I  think  Ada  could  have  pleased  her  better,"  said  Jessie- 
"  She  was  going  into  society  again,  and  quite  admired, 
I  gather  from  other  sources.  I  suppose  her  mother  felt 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  23 

that  she  might  do  better,  though  Dr.  Gamier  cannot  be 
considered  quite  as  a  '  poor  but  worthy '  young  man :  he 
has  bought  a  house  and  has  a  good  practice." 

"  And  the  right  side  of  Dr.  Markham  is  the  high  road 
to  fortune.  I  was  afraid  he  would  not  suit  Ada,  being  of 
the  rather  solid  order.  What  an  insufferable  piece  of 
vanity  and  self-complacency  Ada  would  have  become  with- 
out any  check !  I  think  we  ought  to  give  }^ou  the  most 
credit,  Kathie.  I  really  did  weary  in  well-doing,  and  was 
discouraged  with  her.  Kathie,  you  have  been  the  salva- 
tion of  us  all." 

"  But  I  had  mamma  and  everybody  to  encourage  me. 
And  I  do  believe  Dick  Grayson  and  Mr.  Langdon  helped 
that  summer.  It  was  learning  how  happiness  could  be 
found  in  little  things." 

"  That  is  it,  you  wise  honey-bee,"  laughed  Mr.  Mere- 
dith. 

"  But  tell  me  all  about  her.  This  is  the  first  real  news 
I  have  heard  in  a  long  time." 

"  Well,  they  have  been  engaged  about  six  months.  I 
think  by  what  George  writes  that  her  mother  was  a  little 
disappointed,  but  he  said  he  was  glad  to  give  his  daughter 
to  such  an  earnest,  honorable  man,  though  it  was  a  great 
loss  to  him  to  give  her  to  any  one  :  she  had  been  such  a 
comfort  to  him.  I  do  believe  she  has,  and  I  am  thankful 
that  he  has  had  this  through  his  days  of  adversity.  What 
selfish,  useless  lives  a  great  many  rich  people  lead  !  It 
doesn't  seem  so  to  you  as  you  are  going  through  it,  but 
when  you  look  back  at  it —  Help  me  out,  Kathie."  And 
Mr.  Meredith  laughed.  "What  was  my  text?  Oh,  Dr. 
Gamier  bought  a  house,  and  they  were  to  go  to  housekeep- 
ing. Ada's  idea  used  to  be  the  grand  tour.  But  I  think 
now,  like  the  Mry  stories,  they  will  live  happily  forever 
afterward." 

**  J^Ti't  you  hear  from  her,  Kathie?"  asked  Jessie  in 
surprise. 


24  WHOM    KATI1IE    MARRIED. 

"She  wrote  to  me  early  in  December,  and  I  am  ashamed 
to  say  that  I  did  not  answer  the  letter  for  nearly  three 
months.  Now  that  I  think  of  it,  she  has  quoted  a  friend  a 
good  deal  whose  opinions  seemed  to  have  great  weight 
with  her.  I  supposed  it  was  Mrs.  Arde." 

"There  is  a  lovely  woman,"  remarked  Jessie,  "  who  is 
doing  a  good  work  in  the  woi'ld, —  a  regular  home  mission- 
ary to  the  so-called  better  classes.  She  is  in  comfortable 
circumstances,  accomplished  and  refined,  and  might  be  a 
star  in  society.  Such  women,  pure  and  lofty  themselves, 
can  raise  the  standard  of  womanhood  greatly  among 
young  girls.  And  I  am  beginning  to  think  we  Americans 
let  our  elders  drop  out  of  our  lives  too  soon.  The  girls 
educated  in  convents  come  to  have  a  respect  for  middle- 
aged  women,  are  trained  indeed  to  defer  to  them  and  ac- 
knowledge the  stability  of  their  position,  while  the  mothers 
and  elder  sisters  get  rudely  pushed  aside  at  home,  snubbed, 
and  reminded  in  every  wa}*  that  their  day  is  over.  You 
see  I  am  picking  up  some  very  useful  foreign  notions. 
When  I  go  home  I  shall  establish  a  circle  or  clique,  and 
become  a  famous  woman." 

Soon  afterwards  Kathie's  letter  came  from  Ada,  dated  in 
her  new  home. 

"  I  hope  you  will  not  feel  hurt  by  my  silence,"  she  be- 
gan, "  or  want  of  confidence,  for  it  really  was  not  that :  I 
never  seemed  to  have  time  to  write  all  the  explanations  I 
wanted  to  make,  and  I  wonder  if  you  are  sufficiently  grown 
up  now  to  understand.  My  impression  of  you,  Kathie.  is 
that  j'ou  are  still  an  innocent  little  girl,  with  a  great  deal  of 
unworldh"  lore  ;  and  }*et  how  many  love  affairs  you  have 
had  right  under  your  own  eyes  !  Why  you  must  have  seen 
and  guessed  about  Uncle  Edward  ;  and  yet  how  reticent  you 
were  !  I  wonder  if  you  forgave  my  foolish  far-sightedness. 
O  Kathie,  I  must  have  been  extremely  silly  in  those  days  ! 
My  only  comfort  in  remembering  it  is  that  we  did  not  often 
drop  down  upon  sensible  people.  I  can  hardly  believe  now 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  25 

that  I  was  the  listless,  useless  girl  3-011  found  one  winter  day, 
ruined  in  health,  energy,  and  hopeless  of  the  future.  You 
would  scarcely  imagine  that  I  could  become  interested  in 
the  every -day  work  of  the  world  and  like  it. 

"  When  you  went  awa}%  papa  would  have  strained  every 
nerve  to  send  me,  and  I  wanted  to  go  ;  but  I  was  ashamed 
to  go  with  you,  after  your  good  lessons.  I  shall  always  be 
glad  that  I  struggled  against  my  selfish  desires  and  stayed  at 
home,  for  through  it  papa  and  I  came  to  understand  each 
other  better,  and  love  truly  and  fervently.  He  is  very 
noble  and  self-sacrificing,  Kathie,  and  I  am  not  sure  but  I 
have  as  much  of  a  hero  in  him  as  you  have  in  your  Uncle 
Robert.  I  began  to  care  for  his  comfort,  and  found  so  many 
ways,  and  so  much  enjoyment  in  them.  We  shall  always 
be  much  more  to  each  other  for  this  time. 

"  Mrs.  Arde  was  such  a  lovely  friend  to  me,  and  I  did 
go  into  considerable  society.  I  was  proud  of  attracting  such 
a  man  as  Dr.  Gamier,  though  I  was  not  in  love  with  him 
at  first.  He  used  to  drop  in  now  and  then,  and  send  me 
flowers  ;  but  he  had  little  time  for  party  going  and  dancing, 
and  he  was  not  the  kind  of  man  to  hurry  one  into  a  decision. 
There  were  several  others  ;  one  young  man  mamma  favored 
a  great  deal,  who  was  in  very  good  circumstances,  and  his 
family  were  all  extremely  fashionable  people.  We  went  to 
Long  Branch  a  month  in  the  summer,  and  he  was  there. 
He  was  attractive,  and  I  did  like  him,  only  I  knew  with 
him  I  should  go  right  back  into  the  old  life  ;  and  it  did  not 
look  so  inviting  to  me  as  it  once  had. 

"  After  we  came  home  he  attended  me  to  a  party  ;  it  was 
very  gay,  with  an  elegant  supper  and  an  abundance  of 
wine  and  champagne.  He  drank  until  he  became  abso- 
lutely silly ;  not  more  so  than  several  others,  but  I  was 
disenchanted  with  him,  with  the  whole  set.  I  found  I  was 
beginning  to  measure  all  men  by  Dr.  Gamier,  who  is  a  true 
gentleman,  gentle  in  his  strength.  And  so  the  rest  was 
easily  settled.  Our  engagement  was  hardly  six  months. 


26  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

We  resolved  to  go  to  housekeeping  in  a  pretty  way,  and  Dr. 
Markham  has  been  just  delightful.  I  think  he  has  adopted 
Philip  in  his  brusque,  generous  way,  and  takes  great  pride 
in  his  success.  And  if  you  should  be  caught  by  some  high- 
sounding  title  while  abroad,  I  think  I  might  displace  you 
in  his  esteem. 

"  So  we  have  begun  life  with  love  and  home  and  an  ear- 
nest purpose,  but  prepared  for  many  failures.  Papa  is  to 
be  our  frequent  guest.  Both  boys  have  gone  away  to 
school,  and  Florence  is  in  a  kindergarten  ;  so  mamma  will 
have  it  quite  easy.  Some  day  I  hope  to  see  you,  and  then 
we  will  talk  over  the  things  that  cannot  be  written." 

Kathie  read  most  of  this  to  Aunt  Ruth,  who  warmly 
commended  Ada. 

This  was  followed  by  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Langdon. 
They  hoped  to  be  in  Rome  before  long.  They  had  gone 
first  to  Spain  and  visited  the  old  cities  of  romance  and 
history,  finding  wonderful  things  on  every  hand.  They 
would  spend  some  months  in  Roman  wanderings,  then 
take  Switzerland  and  the  Alps  and  a  little  of  Germany, 
spending  all  of  the  ensuing  winter  in  Paris. 

"  I  wonder  if  you  would  like  to  have  a  winter  in  Paris?" 
Aunt  Ruth  asked. 

"Mr.  Meredith  and  Jessie  expect  to  return  in  thft 
autumn,"  Kathie  answered,  with  a  kind  of  wistful  touch  ID 
her  voice.  "  I  should  want  to  see  Paris  —  " 

"  But  you  have  a  longing  for  home,  is  that  it?  Still,  as 
we  had  to  take  the  first  part  of  our  tour  with  reference  to 
business,  we  can  certainly  devote  some  time  to  pleasure. 
I  want  to  see  Paris  also,  as  it  is  not  likely  I  shall  ever 
come  abroad  again ;  but  we  will  consider  whether  we 
want  a  whole  winter  of  it." 

The  General  and  Mrs.  Mackenzie  had  gathered  quite  a 
little  circle  of  friends,  foreign  and  American,  so  Jessie, 
who  had  grown  much  fonder  of  society,  was  at  once  taken 
in  their  midst.  They  saved  up  some  things  for  Emma  and 


WHOM  KATHIE    MARRIED.  27 

Mr.  Langdon  to  enjoy  with  them,  but  there  were  lovely 
drives,  churches  and  palaces  to  visit,  until,  as  Kathie  said, 
one  almost  had  a  surfeit  of  sight-seeing. 

"And  the  comfort  of  it  is  to  just  stop  and  live  some- 
where," said  Kathie.  "  We  lived  a  little  while  in  Scotland, 
and  a  longer  time  at  Moscow,  and  now  we  are  living  here  ; 
all  the  rest  is  journej-s  between." 

"  You  will  be  a  noted  traveller  when  you  reach  Brook- 
side  again,"  commented  Mr.  Meredith. 

' '  And  I  shall  be  all  the  rest  of  my  life  getting  things 
straight." 

It  was  so  delightful  to  see  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Langdon. 
They  took  them  quite  by  surprise  one  morning,  hardly  an 
hour  after  their  arrival  in  Rome. 

"  Oh  !  "  cried  Kathie,  with  her  arms  about  Emma's  neck. 
"  You  seem  like  a  little  bit  of  home.  How  good  it  is  !  " 

"  Surely  }'ou  are  not  homesick?  "  inquired  Mr.  Langdon. 

"  It  would  be  dreadful  to  confess  it,  would  it  not?  We 
are  not  going  to  abridge  our  stay,  but  I  do  think  Brook- 
side  will  look  just  lovely  to  me  when  I  see  it  again." 

"It  has  changed  so  much  you  will  hardly  know  it," 
Emma  returned.  "  A  new  railroad  touches  it  at  the  north 
side,  and  an  immense  factory  is  being  built,  to  say  noth- 
ing of  several  smaller  ones.  We  shall  soon  be  South-End 
people,  the  select  aristocracy  of  the  town.  O  Kathie  !  do 
you  remember  the  old  patrician  days  at  school  ?  I  met 
Belle  Haddon  last  summer  in  New  York.  She  is  divorced. 
Her  father  is  very  successful  in  some  '  ring '  again,  and 
they  are  floating  on  the  topmost  round.  It  was  a  great 
pleasure  for  me  to  tell  her  you  were  in  Europe  with  your 
aunt  and  uncle,  Gen.  and  Mrs.  Mackenzie.  Several  of 
the  girls  and  boys  are  married,  and  hosts  of  new  people 
have  come  in.  Has  your  uncle  told  you  about  the  improve- 
ments ?  They  have  straightened  and  widened  all  the  drive 
along  the  lake,  and  cut  through  one  place  that  makes  it 
lead  up  to  the  heart  of  the  town,  and  it  is  called  Cedarwood 


28  WHOlx   KATHIE   MARRIED. 


Avenue.  The  people  who  thought  themselves  almost  out 
of  sight  are  right  in  the  midst  of  style  and  what  will  be 
elegance  after  it  is  finished.  And  there  is  going  to  be  a 
town  hall  and  a  library.  Mr.  Grayson  and  your  uncle 
and  Mr.  Adams  have  all  taken  hold  of  it.  You  will 
hardly  know  the  place  when  you  get  home." 

Uncle  Robert  had  kept  Kathie  pretty  well  posted,  but 
it  was  very  enjoyable  to  hear  it  first-hand,  as  it  were. 
Such  entertaining  little  bits  were  always  cropping  out, 
that  Kathie  declared  it  was  almost  as  good  as  seeing  with 
her  own  e}Tes.  And  it  was  so  nice  to  hear  about  the  boys. 
Fred  Lauriston  had  graduated,  and  gone  to  South  America 
for  three  years  ;  Dick  Grayson  had  decided  upon  law  ;  he 
and  Rob  and  Charlie  Darrell  would  graduate  the  following 
summer.  Emma  had  seen  them  all  during  vacation.  Sue 
Coleman  was  married  and  gone  to  Chicago,  and  one  of  the 
Gardiner  girls  was  engaged  to  Henry  Cox. 

In  fact,  for  the  first  few  days  everybody  gave  up  th« 
girls  to  one  another  for  "  pure  gossip,"  Mr.  Langdon  said. 
He  was  very  proud  of  his  pretty  wife,  and  took  greal 
interest  in  her  talent,  as  one  could  plainly  see.  She  was 
still  girlishly  slender,  and  seemed  not  to  have  grown  a 
day  older,  while  Mr.  Langdon  had  that  indescribable 
married  air  of  supreme  content.  The  gentlemen  of  the 
party  fraternized  admirably.  Emma  had  been  sketching 
and  painting  a  little  in  Spain,  and  they  had  some  beautiful 
views. 

"  They  remind  me  of  Moscow,"  said  Kathie  ;  "  yet  the 
two  countries  are  so  far  apart  and  so  different." 

"Yet  the  same  race  and  the  same  religion  has  left  its 
impress  on  both,"  remarked  Mr.  Langdon.  "  Moslemism 
bid  fair  to  overrun  the  world  at  one  time,  yet  the  Cross 
has  triumphed  over  the  Crescent,  and  will  go  on  a  great 
factor  in  civilization.  How  new  it  makes  one  feel,  Mere- 
dith, to  wander  about  places  a  thousand  or  two  years 
old  !  " 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  29 

"  And  to  think  of  all  the  mighty  races  that  have  lived 
and  died,  and  left  enduring  traces  of  themselves.  If  we 
were  bachelors,  Langdon,  I  should  like  nothing  better 
than  a  run  through  Egypt." 

"  Well,  you  can  take  us,"  said  Jessie.  "  I  used  to  tnink 
Egypt  and  Persia  were  the  two  countries  above  all  others 
that  I  should  desire  to  see." 

"  Yes,  we  might ;  but  Kathie,  you  know,  is  homesick." 

"I  should  rather  take  the  rest  some  other  time,"  she 
responded  gravely. 


CHAPTER  "HI.> 

IT  Kathie  had  been  left  quite  alone  with  her  aunt  and 
uncle,  to  miss  the  absent  one  at  every  turn,  to  dream  and 
brood,  and  hold  intimate  thought,  communion,  —  conver- 
sations one  really  makes  of  it  in  solitude,  —  the  result 
might  have  been  quite  different ;  but  it  was  all  active  life 
instead.  Gen.  Mackenzie  had  been  in  Rome  twenty  years 
before,  Mr.  Meredith  had  run  through  it  once  with  a  party 
of  young  men  ;  but  to  Mr.  Langdon  everything  was  new. 
There  was  a  great  deal  for  the  gentlemen  beside  the  pic- 
ture galleries.  Old  roads,  bridges,  and  ruins,  old  battle 
sites,  and  dead  and  gone  armies  with  their  heroic  leaders. 
The  start  of  a  wonderful  civilization  that  was  destined  to 
rule  the  world  in  various  guises,  the  going-out  into  all 
the  world  of  Christianity,  that  had  left  behind  old  and 
enduring  monuments,  and  changed  the  face  of  the  earth 
wherever  it  spread. 

Kathie  and  Emma  listened  with  deepest  interest  to 
these  talks  of  matters  they  had  just  touched  upon,  it 
seemed,  at  school ;  or  they  lingered  in  churches,  studying 
rare  sculptures  and  wonderful  paintings,  that  inspired 
them  with  a  sacred  awe.  How  much  of  human  and  ideal- 
ized lives  they  represented ! 

"  One  could  pass  a  lifetime  here  and  never  weary  of 
the  great  work,"  Emma  said,  "  if  body  and  brain  could 
stand  the  constant  tax.  I  am  afraid  I  shall  never  want 
to  do  anything  but  look." 

"  Rome  makes  you  understand  antiquity:  it  is  such  a 
gradual  going  back,"  rejoined  Mr.  Meredith.  "  Every 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  31 

year  is  represented  There  are  no  breaks.  Far  beyond 
the  Christian  era,  every  century  keeps  its  own  intact, 
every  ruin  has  its  story  to  tell,  with  its  date  and  name." 

"  And  what  stories  they  are  !  "  said  Jessie.  "  We  were 
through  the  garden  of  the  Pincio  yesterday  and  out  to 
the  spot  where  Lucullus  lived  and  gave  his  great  feasts ; 
and  later  on  Messalina  gave  hers  there,  until  she  aroused 
the  tardy  resentment  of  Claudius.  Was  hj3  noble,  or  sim- 
ply weak,  I  wonder  ?  But  her  enemy  triumphed  over  her 
entreaties  and  her  husband's  forbearance,  and  slew  her 
when,  less  courageous  than  Cleopatra,  she  dared  not  com- 
pass her  own  death.  What  men  and  women  there  were  in 
those  days  !  I  do  think  the  world  has  improved." 

"  Yet  I  wonder  if  our  growth  in  moi'als  is  to  mark  a 
degeneracy  in  other  matters?  We  have  no  such  sculp- 
tures to-day,  no  such  bridges  or  palaces.  What  work  of 
ours  will  last  thousands  of  years?"  mused  Mr.  Langdon. 

Kathie  proved  quite  a  guide  to  her  friends.  When  they 
were  tired  of  journeyings  they  spent  mornings  in  galleries, 
Emma  stud}'ing  and  sketching  a  little,  and  occasionally 
meeting  with  an  entertaining  episode  with  some  of  her 
own  countrywomen.  Jessie  was  much  interested  in  the 
peasant  women  and  children,  the  promenades  and  drives, 
and  the  odd  phases  of  Roman  life.  Aunt  Ruth  introduced 
them  to  inner  glimpses  of  Roman  society,  and  the  days 
were  so  crowded  with  enjoyment  that  they  passed  too 
rapidly.  It  was  as  Kathie  said,  they  had  to  do  the  seeing 
now,  and  the  thinking  afterward ;  to  store  their  minds  with 
the  grand,  the  exquisite,  the  wonderful,  to  serve  for  after 
feasts. 

As  soon  as  was  practicable  in  the  season  they  started  for 
Switzerland.  Of  their  journey  over  the  Alps,  of  the  lakes 
and  mountains,  of  passes  wonderful  and  dangerous,  of 
Chillon,  with  its  fortress  of  the  cruel  Middle  Ages,  of  the 
vale  of  Chamounix  and  Mont  Blanc,  and  the  hundred  histor- 
ical and  romantic  points,  the  world  knows  them  almost  by 


32  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

heart,  yet  the  great  thing  is  to  see  them  with  our  own  eyes, 
to  linger  breathless  and  awe-stricken,  and  feel  that  the  half 
had  never  been  told,  —  the  half  that  could  not  be  told,  — 
but  must  be  seen  and  felt,  drop  deep  into  one's  soul. 

When  Kathie  could  stop  she  vainly  tried  to  transcribe  it 
for  Bruce,  as  she  had  promised.  "  If  you  had  been  here," 
"  If  you  could  have  stayed,"  to  see  this  or  that,  mixed  with 
Emma  and  Jessie  and  the  wonderful  baby,  but  not  much  of 
her  very  self.  There  was  no  time  in  "  marching  on  "  to 
think  of  one's  self.  That  she  missed  him  everywhere  and 
longed  for  him  was  but  natural :  any  friend  would  have 
done  it. 

They  took  a  small  corner  of  Germany  in  their  way,  and 
then  pushed  on  to  Paris.  Jessie  was  so  at  home  here  that 
she  proved  an  excellent  chaperone.  They  soon  domesti- 
cated themselves  ;  they  were  all  so  accustomed  to  foreign  life 
that  it  did  not  take  long. 

"  The  shopping  will  have  to  come  now,"  declared  Jessie, 
"and  we  must  put  it  in  by  bits  along  with  the  sight-seeing ; 
but  I  made  up  my  mind  long  ago  not  to  overload  myself, 
and  when  I  wanted  again,  to  pay  duty,  patriotically." 

Their  first  tour  was  to  Versailles.  The  city  was  bright 
and  open  and  full  of  sunshine,  and  so  clean  in  contrast  with 
many  other  places.  There  were  the  palace  and  garden  of 
the  Tuileries  ;  the  slender,  beautiful  obelisk  of  Luxor,  stand- 
ing in  what  had  once  been  the  Place  of  Revolution  in  those 
mighty  times  of  terror ;  the  broad  avenue  leading  straight 
out  to  the  Arch  of  Triumph,  the  riverside,  the  villages  with 
their  narrow  streets  and  pretty  gardens,  the  white-capped 
women  and  peasant  men  in  blouses,  the  contrast  of  the 
beautiful  carriages  and  their  gayly  dressed  occupants,  and 
so  on  down  the  Boulevard  de  la  Reine  to  the  gateway  of 
the  Trianons. 

The  place  was  full  of  remembered  presences  of  dead  and 
gone  royal t}\  Here  kings  and  queens  had  played  at  grandeur 
and  at  simplicity.  Here  had  mingled  joy,  ambition  ;  dreams 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  33 

attained ;  here,  too,  heart-breaks  and  sorrow.  They  lost 
themselves  in  still  lovely  glades  of  greenery,  they  wandered 
past  fountains,  they  came  to  Marie  Antoinette's  Swiss  cot- 
tage, with  its  overhanging  gallery  and  latticed  windows,  the 
dairy  where  she  played  prettily  at  butter-making  ;  then  on 
again  through  avenue  and  mall,  through  the  court-yard  to 
the  gallery  of  sculpture,  with  its  glories,  and  then  to  the  gal- 
lery of  battles,  that  seemed  to  tell  of  themselves  the 
world's  history. 

Here,  everywhere,  it  seemed,  Napoleon  the  First  had  left 
his  impress.  Kathie  and  Bruce  had  studied  up  his  cam- 
paigns while  in  Moscow,  — Bruce  with  a  soldier's  ardor  for 
a  famous  general.  Now  she  paused  before  the  great  pic- 
ture of  the  Coronation.  All  these  shadowy  kings  and 
queens  still  live  in  the  great  heart  of  the  world  that  makes 
pilgrimages  from  afar  to  see  them.  They  went  back  to 
their  carriages  too  tired  for  even  a  word. 

"  We  can  talk  it  over  in  New  York,"  said  Emma  ;  "  it 
will  seem  more  of  a  luxury  then." 

There  was  many  a  delightful  but  fatiguing  day.  Some- 
times Annt  Ruth  could  not  go,  and  Kathie  was  glad  they 
had  left  Paris  to  the  last.  "  For  it  seems  now,"  said  she, 
u  as  if  we  could  go  home  and  go  to  bed,  and  get  rested 
after  it  all." 

"But  I  shall  miss  you  so  much,"  said  Emma,  regret- 
fully. 

"  I  have  never  had  but  one  temptation  to  be  jealous," 
confessed  Mr.  Langdon  ;  "  and  that  is  about  Miss  Kathie- 
I  think  Emma  spent  a  full  month  gathering  up  messages 
before  she  left  America,  and  it  will  take  me  a  month  fo 
comfort  her  after  you  have  gone." 

"  I  think  /  ought  to  be  jealous  as  well.  He  has  be- 
wailed you  every  time  he  went  to  Cedarwood,  Kathie ; 
and  he  liked  me  first  because  he  thought  I  resembled  you. 
Perhaps  if  you  had  been  older,  he  would  not  have  liked  me 
at  all." 


34  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  That  was  a  lovely  summer,  with  so  many  3*oung  peo- 
ple at  Cedarwood"  ;  and  Mr.  Langdon  sighed.  "  I  really 
believe  I  would  like  to  live  it  over  again.  And  your  inva- 
lid friend  has  married,  Miss  Kathie,  as  well  as  several  oth- 
ers. I  shall  always  count  your  uncle  among  my  choicest 
confreres,  and  some  time,  when  Mrs.  Langdon  has  become 
a  famous  artist,  we  shall  drift  back  and  set  up  a  studio  or 
a  country  home  or  something  charming,  in  memory  of  the 
old-time  delights,  and  your  uncle  and  I  will  come  to  be 
quoted  among  the  solid  men  of  the  place." 

"Langdon,  you  are  sentimental";  and  Mr.  Meredith 
laughed ;  ' '  though  I  think  we  all  owe  a  good  deal  of 
what  is  best  and  happiest  in  our  lives  to  its  influence,"  he 
appended,  in  a  graver  tone. 

Gen.  Mackenzie  glanced  across  at  his  wife,  and  she 
answered  with  a  touch  of  rising  color :  so  many  ever- 
widening  circles  had  evolved  from  that  one  centre. 

Yet  it  began  to  be  really  sad  when  a  time  was  appointed 
for  the  Mackenzie  party  to  leave  Paris :  there  were  so 
many  little  last  things  and  last  visits. 

"•  Though  no  doubt  we  shall  be  heie  again  and  again," 
declared  Mr.  Meredith  :  ' '  people  so  often  ran  over  for  a 
three  months'  tour ;  and  you  can  do  one  or  two  places  very 
thoroughly." 

"  And  it  is  nearly  seven  months  since  we  dropped  down 
upon  you  at  Rome.  I  can  hardly  believe  it.  You  will  see 
us  back  in  New  York  in  a  year  or  two." 

The  last  shopping  and  packing,  and  then  a  journey  to 
picturesque  Normandy  together,  —  a  kind  of  afterthought, 
to  soften  the  parting,  — then  a  brief  sail  across  the  Channel 
and  they  touched  English  soil  and  seemed  almost  home ; 
but  they  must  spend  another  week  or  two  in  London,  look- 
ing about,  and  then  the  longer  trip  over  the  ocean,  pleas- 
ant, with  not  a  great  deal  of  sickness. 

Home  !     Yes,  it  was  delightful. 

"  And  you  can  only  have  one  little  place  to  really  live 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  35 

in,"  said  Kathie.  "  I  believe  I  would  as  soon  have  it 
Brookside  as  any  other.  Think  of  our  pretty  lake  and 
Guilford  River  ;  and  we  have  some  hills  —  " 

"  But  they  will  look  very  small  after  Mont  Blanc." 
"  I  should  n't  want  to  live  in  the  shadow  of  Mont  Blanc 
all  my  life  :  it  would  overpower  me." 

They  had  not  sent  word  of  the  exact  time  of  their  re- 
turn, but  after  reaching  New  York,  Gen.  Mackenzie  tele- 
graphed to  Cedarwood.  They  were  driven  at  once  to  a 
hotel,  and  were  glad  of  a  rest.  New  York  did  look 
strange  after  the  Old  World  cities ;  still,  to  the  elders  it 
had  a  pleasant  suggestion  of  home. 

Kathie  and  Aunt  Ruth  went  to  bed  to  get  rested  up  after 
the  sea  dizziness  and  confusion  of  the  last  day.  Jessie 
was  engrossed  with  looking  after  nurse  and  baby,  who  had 
thriven  physically  on  his  tour,  if  the  remembrance  never 
could  be  much  to  him.  The  gentlemen  were  very  busy 
with  the  luggage,  and  considering  what  was  to  be  done 
next.  It  was  late  in  the  afternoon,  and  no  friends  would 
be  likely  to  some  to  greet  them.  Mrs.  George  Meredith 
was  away  on  her  summering,  but  the  brothers  met  in  a 
most  cordial  manner.  George  had  aged  a  good  deal. 

"  Old  fellow,  it  will  be  your  turn  for  a  holiday  next,'' 
Edward  said  with  heartfelt  regard.  "  I  feel  almost  con- 
science smitten." 

"  But  you  never  need,  Ned.  If  you  had  not  come  to 
the  rescue  so  nobly,  I  must  have  gone  under.  I  have  had 
a  hard  time,  but  we  are  on  our  feet  again,  and  shall  be 
fairly  prosperous.  The  boys  are  bright  and  hardy,  and 
Ada  is  very  happy.  I  am  down  there  half  my  time  when 
I  am  alone.  Gamier  is  a  really  splendid  fellow.  As  men 
go,  Ada  has  secured  a  prize." 

His  fatherly  pride  showed  in  his  face. 

"  I  am  so  glad,"  was  the  warm  response. 

"  You  can  never  know,  Ned,  what  a  comfort  she  was  to 
me  through  some  of  the  hardest.  If  my  boys  turn  out  as 
well  —  " 


36  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

If  Kathie  could  hear  that  commendation  ;  for  surely  it 
was  her  hand  that  planted  the  good  seed.  And  a  little 
further  back,  had  there  not  been  something  that  set  him 
to  thinking, —  an  influence  a  little  different  from  any  that 
had  entered  his  careless  manhood  up  to  that  period?  If 
he  had  married  some  worldly  young  girl,  and  repeated  his 
brother's  life :  but  no  wealth  or  elegance  could  ever  make 
Jessie  frivolous. 

Kathie  did  not  even  wake  up  for  any  supper,  but  slept 
straight  on  in  the  restful  slumber  of  youth  and  fatigue. 
Aunt  Ruth  came  and  looked  at  her  with  a  tender  smile, 
and  then  went  down  to  supper.  Gen.  Mackenzie  had 
brought  in  letters,  among  them  one  from  Bruce.  He  had 
gone  to  his  new  post  of  duty  and  found  it  a  great  change, 
of  course.  He  was  not  much  in  love  with  the  surround- 
ings ;  indeed,  he  was  fast  coming  to  think  that  he  preferred 
the  amenities  of  civilian  life  ;  but  he  meant  to  stand  stead- 
ily by  his  colors. 

"Tell  me  about  Kathie,"  he  begged:  "she  says  so 
little  of  herself." 

She  came  down  the  next  morning  bright  as  a  rose, 
rested  and  refreshed. 

"  It  will  be  quite  a  reception  day,"  began  Mr.  Meredith  ; 
"  the  world  has  all  gone  out  of  town,  but  what  is  left  of 
it  will  drop  in  and  congratulate  you  on  your  safe  arrival. 
I  suppose  the  next  move  will  be  Brookside,  for  I  know  all 
the  Darrell  clan  are  wild  to  see  their  grandson." 

Jessie  colored  with  motherly  pride  as  she  bent  to  kiss 
her  little  boy. 

"  I  think  the  delegation  will  be  up  to  meet  us,"  remarked 
the  General.  "  I  am  most  anxious  to  get  out  of  the  h«at 
and  dust ;  but  we  cannot  leave  to-day." 

"  Do  you  really  think  Uncle  Robert  will  come,  and  —  " 
Kathie  paused  with  softened  eyes. 

"  Mamma  will  be  awaiting  us  at  home,"  returned  Aunt 
Ruth,  quietly. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  37 

"Isn't  it  just  a  little  bit  odd,"  began  Mr.  Meredith, 
"but  the  first  time  I  saw  }rou,  Mrs.  Mackenzie,  and 
Kathie  here,  I  was  standing  on  the  hotel  steps?  Kathie 
was  a  little,  bright-eyed,  country  girl,  looking  like  a  field 
daisy  or  a  wild  rose  ;  and  you  brought  a  wonderful  charm 
with  you.  I  don't  believe  any  one  ever  understood  before 
how  pretty  they  were,  for  the  whole  world  has  gone  to  wild 
roses  and  daisies  since." 

"  Did  I  look  so  very  countrified?  "  inquired  Kathie.  "  I 
felt  as  if  I  had  gone  into  not  exactly  fairyland,  but  wonder- 
land. And  there  were  so  many  people,  such  a  noise  and 
confusion,  and  you  just  took  me  and  Aunt  Ruth's  shepherd's- 
plaid  shawl  up-stairs  ;  and  it  seemed  a  palace  to  me,  it 
really  did,"  laughingly.  "  There  was  a  great  dinner  after- 
wards, and  a  drawing-room  filled  with  lovely  women  and 
brave  men,  and  I  felt  all  the  time  as  if  I  was  enchanted. 
Did  I  do  anything  very  queer  and  awkward  ?  " 

"  Not  a  bit,"  declared  Mr.  Meredith. 

"It  was  one  of  my  three  wishes,  you  know.  When 
Uncle  Robert  came  home  he  gave  me  three  ;  and  I  always 
shall  believe  in  fairy  stories  to  the  very  end,  for  I  had  my 
three  wishes,  and  they  all  came  out  splendidly." 

' '  Which  one  did  I  come  in  ?  " 

Kathie  colored. 

"  The  very  first,"  replied  Aunt  Ruth.  "  She  wished  for 
me,  and  we  came  to  New  York  to  see  Dr.  Markham  about 
my  lameness." 

"  And  I  seemed  to  have  a  pretty  good  share  in  that 
wish  too,"  responded  Gen.  Mackenzie,  with  a  smile  at  his 
wife  and  niece. 

"Like  the  strawberry  girl — 'me  too,  Katy!'"  ex- 
claimed Mr.  Meredith.  "  We  two,"  glancing  at  Jessie. 
"  You  never  dreamed,  Kathie,  how  many  incidents  and 
romances  were  to  grow  out  of  it." 

"But  if  you  had  not  been  there?"  supposed  Kathie, 
archly. 


38  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  I  should  have  lost  incalculably.  Robin,  nothing  could 
have  made  it  up  to  us."  And  he  took  his  little  boy  on  his 
knee. 

A  waiter  entered  with  a  card,  —  "  Mrs.  Gamier." 

"  Kathie,  go  first  and  try  your  enchantment,"  said 
Jessie.  "  How  shamefully  late  we  are  that  Ada  should 
call  before  we  are  through  breakfast !  " 

Kathie  lingered,  but  Jessie  and  Mr.  Meredith  promised 
to  come  directly. 

Kathie  smiled  a  little  as  she  crossed  the  threshold  of 
the  reception-room,  thinking  of  the  awe  of  that  childish 
time.  Ada  rose  ;  the  two  years  had  changed  her  very  lit- 
tle, except  in  the  expression  of  content  and  satisfaction. 
For  a  moment  she  glanced  uncertainly,  then  her  arms  were 
around  Kathie  ;  and  if  the  embrace  was  more  demonstrative 
than  the  languor  of  the  day  approved,  no  one  could  have 
questioned  its  genuineness. 

"O  Kathie!  what  a  pleasure.  I  did  not  expect  to 
see  you  first  of  all.  Papa  told  me  last  evening  you  were 
all  in,  and  that  I  must  call  upon  Aunt  Jessie,  —  as  if 
I  had  forgotten  my  manners  in  my  new  life.  Oh,  how 
you  have  grown  and  changed,  and,"  holding  her  off  a 
little,  "  how  indescribably  foreign  you  look  ! " 

"Do  I?  I  have  a  queer  feeling  as  if  I  did  not  quite 
know  what  I  was,  but  I  shall,  when  I  get  to  Brookside 
and  mamma." 

"  Kathie  Alston,  I  wonder  if  you  will  be  quite  content 
there  now?  I  do  not  want  to  stir  up  any  longing  or 
desire,  but  Brookside  is  small,  and  there  is  no  great  vari- 
ety of  people  or  employment,  or  enjoyment  for  that  mat- 
ter. I  have  speculated  a  good  deal  upon  it,  and  though  I 
am  not  as  sill}'  as  I  was  a  few  years  ago,  it  does  seem  like 
burying  }*our  graces  and  accomplishments  ;  for  you  are 
stylish  and  pretty,  and  you  could  be  quite  a  star  in  society, 
with  all  }Tour  newness  and  freshness." 

"I'm  not  going  to  bury  myself,  returned  Kathie. 
"  There  is  too  much  real  work  to  do.  O  Ada  —  " 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  39 

"  There,  it  was  only  one  of  the  temptations.  I  could  n't 
help  uttering  it.  I  don't  believe  anything  will  ever  spoil 
you.  What  is  it  —  this  content  in  stillness  and  sweet- 
ness? this  holding  everything  with  reverent  hands,  as  if  it 
was  not  really  yours,  and  yet  enjoying  all  things  to  the 
uttermost?  You  see  I  am  no  angel  yet,  but  full  of  ques- 
tions and  wonders." 

"But  happy?"  Kathie  asked,  with  a  kind  of  jealous 
longing  for  her  friend. 

' '  Happy  ?  oh  yes  !  "  And  Ada  gave  a  smile  of  rare  con- 
tent. ''  When  you  come  to  know  Philip,  —  and  Uncle  Mark- 
ham  and  I  have  talked  him  nearly  deaf,  dumb,  and  blind 
about  }^ou,  —  I  think  you  will  understand  the  sort  of  pro- 
gression in  me,  for  it  is  that  which  puzzles  you.  One  can 
desire  to  go  on  without  being  altogether  dissatisfied  with 
the  things  that  are,  but  you  can't  go  on  without  question  ing. 
And  I  must  go  on  to  keep  up  with  my  husband.  I  can't 
allow  myself  to  fall  behind,  and  so  if  I  question  you  a 
little  and  watch  you  —  What  a  queer  talk  right  in  the  begin- 
ning !  And  I  am  so  glad  to  see  you !  Of  course  the 
whole  journey  was  delightful.  Did  you  bring  home  most 
in  lovely  laces  and  new  gowns,  or  did  you  turn  artist  or 
poet  or  novelist?  Everybody  writes  a  book  now." 

"  I  am  the  one  girl  without  a  genius,"  confessed  Kathie 
frankly.  "  I  have  learned  a  good  deal,  and  seen  until  my 
brain  could  not  hold  another  sight ;  I  am  afraid  it  is  yet  a 
chaotic  mass,  that  I  shall  have  to  straighten  out  all  the  rest 
of  my  life  to  get  all  the  objects  in  order." 

"  But  Mrs.  Langdon  is  going  to  be  a  real  artist,  is  she 
not  ?  I  think  she  paints  beautifully  already.  They  spent 
a  winter  in  the  city,  and  Mrs.  Arde  met  them,  —  you  know 
she  is  always  taking  up  special  people  and  bringing  them 
out  to  delight  the  ordinary  ones.  And  so  I  found  in  her 
the  Emma  Lauriston  of  that  summer  at  Cedarwood.  One 
of  the  girls  said  then  that  you  always  found  so  many  nice 
people,  and  I  begin  to  think  you  and  Mrs.  Arde  alike  in 
that  respect.  And  she  is  crazy  to  see  you." 


40  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

The  Merediths  entered  at  this  moment,  and  Ada's  atten- 
tion was  directed  to  the  new  channels.  Aunt  Jessie  was 
elegant,  certain!}',  and  the  bab}r  a  marvel  of  prettiness, 
talking  French  as  if  it  were  his  mother  tongue.  Kathie 
watched  her  friend  with  a  curious  feeling,  as  if  again  there 
was  a  great  distance  of  years  between  them.  It  had  never 
been,  it  would  never  be,  a  love  friendship,  as  that  between 
herself  and  Jessie  or  Emma  Lauriston  ;  yet  there  was  a 
strength  and  determination  in  Ada's  face,  as  if  she  had 
set  out  to  reach  some  of  the  higher  places.  "And  I 
shall  know  her  better  presently,"  Kathie  thought.  "  It  is 
like  getting  acquainted  with  a  new  person."  Then  she 
wondered,  in  a  little  dismay,  if  every  one  would  seem  so 
different.  Perhaps  the  two  years  had  changed  her  as 
well. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Markham  were  announced  next,  and  it 
became  quite  a  gay  family  party.  Aunt  Ruth  came  in  for 
a  large  share  of  compliments,  and  Kathie  began  to  realize 
suddenly  that  a  great  change  had  been  going  on  with  her 
most  unconsciously.  She  had  passed  from  young  girlhood 
to  womanhood.  The  eager  child-life  was  a  thing  of  the 
past,  and  at  this  moment  of  missing  it  Kathie  stretched 
out  her  hands  unconsciously,  as  if  to  implore  it  back  again. 
Life  suddenly  looked  large  and  sacred. 

The  Doctor  came  over  and  teased  her.  She  was  so  tall 
and  st}-lish,  and  had  seen  so  much  that  no  doubt  her  own 
country  would  appear  poor  and  plain  by  contrast.  Could 
she  condescend  to  an  old  chap  like  him,  who  couldn't  put 
a  French  sentence  property  together  to  save  his  neck,  and 
would  she  come  down  some  time  when  the  others  could 
spare  her  and  make  them  a  visit,  and  talk  over  the  won- 
derful things  she  had  seen? 

Some  old  friends  of  Jessie's  entered  presently,  and  the 
others  went  away  with  promises ;  then  a  telegram  an- 
nouncing the  arrival  of  home  friends  at  one,  and  Kathie's 
heart  gave  a  quick,  glad  leap. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  41 

"  Aunt  Ruth,"  she  began,  when  they  were  in  their  room, 
" have  I  changed  very  much?" 

Aunt  Ruth  looked  puzzled,  then  smiled. 

"  You  have  grown,  of  course,  and  —  yes,  I  suppose  you 
have.  The  rest  notice  it  more  easily  than  we  do.  What 
is  there  to  look  so  grave  about,  my  darling  ?  " 

"  I  wonder  if  I  shall  ever  be  quite  the  same  to  mamma 
and  Uncle  Robert?" 

"  O  Kathie,  to  them,  to  us,  there  can  be  very  little 
difference !  The  old  love  is  the  same,  and  takes  no  ac- 
count of  years  or  change." 

She  asked  no  further  questions,  but  glanced  out  of  the 
window,  thinking.  She  must  do  something  with  her  life, 
with  the  years  to  come :  people  alwa}*s  did  when  they 
were  quite  grown  up.  If  she  could  be  something,  if  there 
could  be  some  aim,  some  purpose,  and  not  all  a  simple 
going  on  of  pleasure. 

She  had  quite  lost  herself  in  a  tangled  train  of  thought 
when  a  voice  outside  somewhere  said,  "And  Kathie?" 
The  young  girl  sprang  up  and  took  a  few  steps  forward, 
and  was  clasped  in  two  strong  arms. 

' '  O  Uncle  Robert !  Uncle  Robert !  "  And  hiding  her 
face  on  his  shoulder,  she  gave  a  little  sob.  She  was 
home  to  her  own  again.  There  could  not  be  any  sense  of 
change  with  him. 

But  he  was  not  to  have  her  all  to  himself.  Right  behind 
were  Rob  and  Charlie  Darrell.  Robert,  tall  and  erect, 
with  a  proud,  masterful  face,  clear,  frank  eyes,  and  a  line 
of  dark  mustache  shading  his  upper  lip.  He  really 
seemed  stranger  to  Kathie  than  Charlie  Darrell,  who  was 
not  less  manly  looking  if  not  so  tall.  There  was  a  fine  and 
spiritual  expression  in  his  face  ;  it  looked  like  some  of  the 
pictures  she  had  seen,  —  the  indescribable  indication  of  a 
life  a  little  higher  than  the  ordinary  round. 

Father  and  Mother  Darrell  had  joined  the  party.  There 
were  some  other  grandchildren  at  a  distance,  but  Jessie's 


42  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

baby  had  somehow  been  a  little  different  from  the  rest,  — 

perhaps  because  Jessie's  marriage  had  been  a  little  out 

of  the  common  order. 

Rob  said  it  again,  "  O  Kathie  !  how  you  have  changed ! " 
"  And  yet  it  is,  it  always  will  be,  the  same  little  Kathie," 

said  Charlie  Darrell ;  and  she  felt  strangely  comforted. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

"  I  HAVE  brought  her  back  to  you,  your  very  own,  as  J 
promised." 

It  was  what  Gen.  Mackenzie  said  to  Mrs.  Alston  on  the 
great  porch  at  Cedarwood,  when  the  mother  held  her  child 
again  in  her  arms.  To  him  it  represented  the  sacrifice  he 
had  made  in  not  taking  her  for  his  own,  the  putting  off, 
the  waiting  that  might  have  a  little  danger  in  it ;  for 
right  behind  was  another  to  whom  Kathie  would  be  fair 
and  sweet  with  the  charm  of  womanhood. 

Afterward  they  all  talked  at  once.  Kathie  ran  round 
to  every  place,  and  found  there  had  been  a  great  change. 
The  child  nooks  did  not  fit  her  so  well :  she  had  outgrown 
them  and  come  to  the  larger  abiding-places.  There  were 
no  children,  for  Fred  was  shooting  up  into  a  tall,  slender 
boy,  and  Rob  was  a  man.  The  days  of  frolics,  laughing, 
and  glee  were  over.  How  strange  it  was  ! 

And  yet  the  dear  old  house  had  not  changed.  She  was 
so  glad  the  rooms  were  large,  the  hall  and  stairway  wide, 
and  the  porch  room  abundant.  It  would  do  for  anything 
they  might  ever  grow  into.  There  had  been  a  little 
refurnishing,  but  Uncle  Robert  told  her  they  had  left  plenty 
of  room  for  the  treasures  she  had  brought. 

"  Dear  home  !  I  am  so  glad  to  be  here  again.  I  think 
I  was  homesick  two  or  three  times,  mamma.  After  Bruce 
returned,  if  Jessie  had  not  come  I  should  have  wanted  to 
end  our  lovely  journeyings  then  and  there.  We  used  to 
wish  for  yon  so,  Rob,  when  we  were  in  Moscow,  talking 
over  Napoleon,  who  seems  to  have  left  footprints  all  over 


44  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Europe.  And  when  we  did  start,  when  we  reached  the 
Channel  to  cross  to  England,  it  seemed  as  if  I  could  n't  get 
home  fast  enough,  as  if  something  would  happen.  And 
yet  here  we  all  are,  and  nothing  has  happened  except  just 
the  right  things,  that  always  do  happen,  I  suppose.  Do 
you  know,  mamma,  I  never  realized  until  yesterday  that  I 
was  grown  up,  a  young  lady." 

"  Yes,"  Mrs.  Alston  said  with  a  sigh.  "  I  think  I  would 
have  been  satisfied  to  keep  you  by  me  in  childhood  for 
years  to  come." 

Robert  went  round  and  sat  on  the  step  by  his  mother, 
Kathie  being  on  the  other  side.  Then  Fred  came  and 
seated  himself  just  below,  leaning  his  arms  on  his  mother's 
lap.  It  made  a  pretty  picture. 

"  I  wish  I  could  have  you  painted  just  so,"  remarked 
Uncle  Robert.  4i  You  own  them  all  now,  Dora." 

"  I  and  mine,"  she  uttered  with  pardonable  motherly 
pride. 

"  But  Rob  is  going  away,"  said  Freddy. 

"  O  Rob,  where?"  Kathie  asked. 

' '  "Why,  I  suppose  I  ought  to  be  looking  out  for  my 
living  somewhere,"  returned  Robert.  "You  don't  think 
I  could  stay  here  always,  hanging  on  uncle,  do  you  ?  " 

"  But  what  are  you  going  to  do?" 

"Did  you  hear  to-day,  Uncle?"  the  3Toung  man  asked, 
glancing  past  his  mother. 

Uncle  Robert  nodded.  Then  he  said  aloud,  "  Yes,  that 
is  one  of  the  pains  and  penalties  of  manhood,  —  an  old 
law." 

Robert  Alston  looked  straight  before  him,  over  the  space 
of  lawn  and  lake  to  the  woods  on  the  farther  shore.  There 
were  old  laws  and  old  penalties,  and  no  one  could  hope  to  es- 
cape them.  Every  error  or  carelessness  or  sin  had  to  be  paid 
for  in  kind.  He  would  fain  have  made  his  mother's  wish 
reality,  —  begun  again  at  childhood.  If  one  could  retrace 
—  if  regret  could  undo  ! 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  45 

Uncle  Robert  would  not  allow  the  conversation  to  drop 
to  any  saddened  key  just  now  of  all  times.  It  was  right 
enough  that  Rob  should  strike  out  for  himself ;  but  if  he 
could  have  elected  to  remain  nearer  home  !  Yet  there  was 
always  a  little  roving  tendency :  was  it  in  the  blood  ? 
Even  when  he  had  started  another  topic,  he  kept  a  quiet 
side  for  his  thought. 

Indeed  there  was  no  chance  for  conversation  to  flag. 
Not  an  old  friend  or  protege  had  Kathie  forgotton,  though 
it  had  been  impossible  to  keep  up  with  them  all.  But 
Uncle  Robert  seemed  to  have  a  catalogue  of  them  and  the 
most  important  events  that  had  happened. 

Kathie  found  her  own  room  refurnished  and  quite  a  mar- 
vel of  beauty.  The  other  belongings  had  been  placed  in  a 
smaller  room  across  the  hall ;  and  when  all  the  pictures 
and  bits  of  remembrance  had  been  unpacked,  it  became  a 
wonder  to  know  what  to  do  with  them. 

There  was  much  going  to  and  from  between  them  and  the 
Darrells,  and  after  a  day  or  two  Cedarwood  was  besieged 
by  old  friends.  It  was  still  warm,  being  the  first  of  Sep- 
tember, and  there  could  be  a  good  deal  of  out-door  living. 
The  girls  were  all  wild  about  Kathie  ;  and.  there  were  compli- 
ments and  exclamations  enough  to  make  her  vain. 

Rob  had  decided  to  make  his  business  essay  in  Chicago ; 
why,  no  one  could  quite  tell,  for  his  uncle  wished  him  to  take 
a  situation  in  New  York  among  friends.  Through  Mr. 
Meredith,  Uncle  Robert  had  found  a  nice  position  ;  but  Mrs. 
Alston  was  quite  disappointed  at  her  son's  preference  for 
mercantile  life.  The  offer  had  come,  and  now  in  a  few  days 
he  was  to  say  good  by  again. 

His  college  career  had  proved  very  satisfactory  on  the 
whole.  He  had  the  Latin  oration  and  had  taken  one  of 
the  prizes.  There  had  been  a  good  deal  of  rowing  and 
pleasures  of  various  kinds,  and  some  boyish  escapades,  but 
nothing  that  had  detracted  from  his  standing.  His  mother 
bad  gone  to  commencement  and  felt  duly  proud  of  her  son. 


46  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"Mother,"  Rob  said  the  next  morning,  "I  think  we 
ought  to  give  another  party  —  a  sort  of  welcome  home  to 
Kathie  —  to  introduce  her  afresh  to  Brookside  :  so  many 
new  people  have  come  in  ;  and  then  it  is  something  to  have 
a  travelled  young  lady  in  one's  family." 

Mrs.  Alston  glanced  up  at  her  brother. 

"  I  was  thinking  of  that  myself.  I  suppose  Kathie  will 
have  to  begin  young  ladyhood." 

"  Does  n't  it  seem  queer?"  said  she.  "  Will  I  have  to 
drive  round  in  a  pony  carriage  with  mamma,  and  keep  my 
cards  in  her  case,  as  they  do  in  English  novels  ?  And  I 
ought  to  have  a  white  silk  dress." 

"  Why,  that  would  be  a  wedding  dress,"  declared  Fred. 

"  Not  necessarily  —  in  my  case."     And  Kathie  laughed. 

"  The  party  is  a  bright  idea,"  said  Uncle  Robert.  "  We 
ought  to  set  about  it  at  once." 

"Oh,  do  you  remember  the  first  lovely  party  we  had 
here,  when  the  house  was  christened?  I  don't  believe  I 
should  ever  want  to  go  entirely  away  —  to  stay  I  mean  : 
there  are  so  many  dear  and  delightful  memories  and  joys. 
I  seem  not  to  have  really  lived  anjr  where  but  just  here, 
only  I  have  been  out  a-visiting  a  good  deal,"  she  said 


"  I  hope  to  keep  you  for  many  jTears  to  come,"  rejoined 
her  mother,  with  a  tender  kiss. 

"  Oh,  you  will  be  sure  to  !  I  feel  as  if  I  was  just  ready 
to  begin  some  kind  of  living.  I  suppose  I  do  not  need  tx? 
go  to  school  any  more  ?  " 

"  Not  unless  you  wish  to  study  law  or  medicine,"  said 
Uncle  Robert,  with  a  dry  sort  of  smile. 

"  I  am  afraid  I  have  not  sufficient  application.  And  I 
have  no  genius.  Mamma,  will  you  be  satisfied  with  a 
commonplace  daughter  ?  " 

A  glance  answered  the  question.  The  every-day  virtues 
and  pleasures  were  not  quite  so  commonplace  as  the 
world  might  think. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  47 

"  Yes,  I  should  like  to  have  a  party,"  Kathie  began,  "  if 
the  girls  have  not  forgotten  me,  or  gone  away.  A  real 
American  party  again." 

"We  have  quite  a  number  of  new  neighbors,"  said 
Uncle  Robert.  "I  have  had  to  solace  myself  with  some 
other  young  ladies." 

"  Then  I  shall  be  all  curiosity  to  see  them  —  my  rivals," 
she  exclaimed  archly. 

They  all  decided  it  would  be  quite  the  best  way  to  an- 
nounce Kathie's  return.  Uncle  Robert  began  a  list. 
Kathie  listened  to  the  strange  names.  There  was  a  Miss 
Georgie  Halford,  who  had  been  spending  the  summer  with 
Mrs.  Adams,  their  neighbor,  and  whose  mother,  now  dead, 
had  been  Mrs.  Adams's  cousin.  There  were  some  new 
neighbors  on  the  avenue,  the  Collamores,  who  had  three 
delightful  young  people  ;  and  as  they  went  on  Kathie  ex- 
claimed, "  Why,  I  shall  not  know  any  of  them  !  It  will 
be  quite  like  a  foreign  party,  after  all." 

"  You  will  like  the  Collamores,"  said  Rob.  "And, 
Kathie,  do  you  remember  little  Rose  Gordon?  She  grad- 
uated this  summer  from  some  great  school,  and  is  just 
beautiful.  I  took  a  party  of  girls  out  rowing  one  day, 
and  she  amused  them  by  telling  of  a  wonderful  snow-house 
we  once  built,  and  a  fairy  play  we  had.  I  'd  nearly  for- 
gotten about  it,  but  it  all  came  back." 

"  It  was  the  winter  before  Uncle  Robert  came  home. 
Oh,  how  strange  it  seems !"  And  a  curious  light  filled 
Kathie's  eyes. 

"  Now  your  friends,  Kathie,"  said  Uncle  Robert. 

"Let  us  invite  the  girls  who  were  here  so  long  ago  ;  at 
least,  all  we  can.  Oh,  where  is  Lottie  Thorne?" 

"Still  here,  still  in  'maiden  meditation  fancy  free,'" 
declared  Rob,  "but  making  big  eyes  at  all  eligibles. 
She  would  remind  you  of  what  Ada  Meredith  used  to  be, 
only  she  is  sickly  sentimental." 


48  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  Oh,  have  you  seen  Ada?  She  has  changed,  and  she 
puzzled  me  a  good  deal." 

"  She  is  getting  fitted  into  another  new  life,"  said  Uncle 
Robert.  "  The  past  two  years  have  been  very  hard  for 
Ada.  Mrs.  Meredith  will  never  be  anything  but  a  worldly 
wise,  fashionable  woman.  What  'our  set'  thinks  and 
does  and  wears  is  all  in  all  to  her ;  she  is  surprised  at 
having  a  daughter  who  does  n't  think  like  her,  who  feels 
that  fashion  may  not  be  quite  everything.  I  must  com- 
mend Ada  for  trying  to  be  a  good  daughter  to  her  mother 
as  well  as  her  father.  Dr.  Gamier  is  an  intellectual  man, 
with  a  strong  home  side  to  his  character :  and  now  Ada  is 
trying  to  adapt  herself  to  a  new  sphere  ;  she  has  more 
real  character  than  I  gave  her  credit  for." 

"  She 's  grown  a  famous  favorite  with  Uncle  Robert," 
declared  his  nephew.  "  I  can't  get  on  with  her  any  better 
than  I  used." 

"  Lucy  Gardiner  and  Harry  Cox  are  engaged.  I  heard 
that  in  Italy,  —  wasn't  it  odd?  I  want  the  girls  and 
Harry,  and  Sophie  Dorrance,  and  —  oh,  I  am  afraid  I 
shall  forget  somebody  !  Mamma,  do  you  ever  hear  about 
Mary  Carson  ?  " 

"  She  married  very  well  last  winter :  her  husband  has  a 
large  hon  interest  at  Pittsburg."  And  Mrs.  Alston  glanced 
questioningly  at  Kathie. 

"I  was  n't  going  to  invite  her,"  and  Kathie  flushed; 
"  that  is,  we  never  were  intimate,  you  know ;  only  at 
Rome  Emma  and  I  were  talking  over  the  strife  between 
the  patricians,  and  —  But  I  think  the  strife  was  all  on 
one  side,  —  Emma  was  so  stanch  and  loyal.  I  shall  al- 
ways love  her." 

"It  was  quite  an  experience.  Of  course  you  have 
heard  from  Sarah  Strong  ?  " 

"  I  always  wrote  to  her  when  I  could,  for  I  knew  just 
what  would  interest  her." 

"  They  have  all  improved  greatly,"  said  Uncle  Robert ; 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  49 

"  you  see  it  in  the  farm  as  well.  The  son  took  some  prizes 
at  the  count}'  fair.  Do  you  know,  Kathie,  I  think  it  is  a 
little  leaven  that  will  leaven  the  whole  village  in  the  course 
of  time." 

"Sarah  loves  teaching  so  much;  and  she  is  studying 
the  whole  time  as  well.  I  believe  I  shall  enjoy  a  talk 
with  her  wonderfully,  and  I  dare  say  she  will  know  as 
much  about  Europe  as  a  great  many  who  have  been 
there." 

So  the  party  list  was  made  out,  and  Uncle  Robert  wrote 
the  invitations  in  Mrs.  Alston's  name.  Brookside  was 
beginning  to  take  on  quite  a  society  tone,  and  wore  a 
thriving  business  air  on  account  of  the  new  factories.  It 
brought  in  many  families  of  the  poorer  classes,  for  whom 
something  was  needed  beside  mere  shelter.  Mr.  Grayson 
and  Mr.  Adams,  who  had  considerable  interest  in  the  town, 
had  aroused  some  of  the  most  influential  men  in  its  welfare, 
and  had  begun  a  crusade  against  ignorance  and  intemper- 
ance. Beside  the  library  in  progress,  there  was  a  gymna- 
sium and  reading-room  for  the  employes  of  the  different 
shops,  made  contingent  mostly  on  good  behavior,  as  the 
fee  was  but  trifling. 

"  You  see,  Pussy,  after  you  went  away  I  had  to  employ 
myself  in  other  things,"  explained  Uncle  Robert  as  they 
were  driving  along. 

"You  have  all  interested  yourselves  wonderfully  in  the 
town,"  replied  Kathie.  "  Why  I  never  saw  such  a  change  ! 
Mr.  Meredith  insisted  that  the  place  would  look  so  small 
and  poor  to  me  that  I  never  could  content  m}rself  here 
again  ;  but  I  fancy  it  was  partly  teasing.  But  travel  does 
change  one  a  little,"  she  ventured  timidly. 

"  It  ought.  That  is  what  it  is  for  :  to  give  new  ideas 
and  improve  the  old  ones.  Well,"  with  a  rather  roguish 
twinkle,  "  shall  you  be  dissatisfied?  " 

"  Oh,  no,  indeed."    And  her  little  hand  slipped  in  Uncle 
Robert's  unoccupied  one,, 
4 


50  TVHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED. 

u  Betiause  mamma  and  I  have  counted  upon  you  a  good 
deal.  I  think  she  feels  a  little  sore  about  Rob's  departure." 

"Oh,  why  does  he  go?"  interrupted  Kathie.  "The 
boys  are  to  be  in  New  York,  —  and  when  he  might  have 
stayed  there." 

"Yes,  Mr.  Meredith  would  have  given  him  as  good  a 
chance.  I  can't  quite  understand  Rob's  suddenly  devel- 
oped taste  for  business.  He  is  very  fond  of  chemistry  and 
several  scientific  pursuits,  and  I  thought  he  would  choose 
among  them  ;  but  when  I  found  he  had  made  up  his  mind 
firmly,  I  gave  in.  Perhaps  when  he  has  tried  it  a  year  or 
two,  he  will  not  like  it  as  well  as  he  thinks  :  he  has  grown 
so  much  more  quiet." 

"  Yes,  I  noticed  that.  And  he  is  real  handsome,"  said 
Kathie,  with  pride.  "He  compares  very  favorably  with 
Bruce." 

"  Is  Bruce  your  ideal?  " 

Uncle  Robert  seemed  not  to  look  at  Kathie,  yet  he  was 
watching  her  narrowly  with  drooping  eyes  that  hid  so 
much. 

"  Yes,"  she  made  answer  tranquilly,  without  any  rising 
color.  "I  don't  mean  that  he  is  above  and  beyond  all 
others  ;  Dick  Gra3Tson  is  as  manly  and  noble,  doubtless,  and 
Charlie  is  —  Well,  he  has  what  Grandmother  Darrell  calls 
the  mark  of  the  calling ;  and  you  would  never  doubt  his 
goodness.  But  Bruce  seems  to  be  made  to  go  out  into  the 
world  and  keep  his  goodness  and  nobleness,  and  all  that. 
And  then  he  has  so  many  little  touches  of  tact  and  tender- 
ness that  you  hardly  look  for  in  one  who  has  always  been 
brought  up  with  boys,  —  knightly,  chivalrous,  express  it." 

Uncle  Robert  lapsed  into  silence.  He,  like  the  others, 
had  wondered  if  Kathie  would  return  with  her  deeper  emo- 
tions unstirred  ;  but  he  understood  at  once  how  it  had  been. 
Or  was  Bruce  in  the  too  familiar  friendly  contact  ? 

Her  thoughts  went  back  to  the  months  of  journeying. 

"  I  am  so  glad  you  have  seen  it  all,  Uncle  Robert,"  she 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  51 

began  presently.  "It  ia  such  a  comfort  to  preface  a 
bit  of  anything  with  a  'don't  you  remember.'  Through 
Germany  there  are  so  many  little  bits  of  villages  with  a 
thread  of  river  winding  around,  and  a  range  of  mountains 
in  the  distance,  looking  so  calm  and  peaceful,  as  if  people 
could  live  there  forever  and  be  happy.  And  yet  how 
many  people  in  the  world  are  stolid,  indifferent !  Educa- 
tion is  a  great  help,  after  all.  One  has  to  learn  how  to 
appreciate." 

' '  And  you  can  still  appreciate  this  ?  " 

"  It  is  like  a  picture,  Uncle  Robert ;  and  the  soft,  ha,zy 
light  is  so  lovely.  I  think,"  she  went  on  slowly,  "  we 
are  too  busy  to  pause  and  take  good  long  looks,  as  we  do 
abroad.  There  you  have  the  sort  of  holiday  feeling. 
You  come  purposely  to  see.  The  primrose  is  something 
more  to  you ;  but  maybe  it  is  n't  quite  so  much  to 
them." 

Uncle  Robert  watched  her  with  a  peculiar  delight.  She 
was  still  simple  hearted.  True,  though  she  had  gone  out 
to  some  extent  at  Rome  and  Florence,  she  was  not  consid- 
ered in  society,  and  she  had  made  few  girl  friends.  All 
that  part  was  yet  to  come. 

Kathie  showed  herself  an  eager,  pleasure-loving  girl 
through  the  party  preparations.  It  somehow  became 
merged  into  quite  a  grand  affair. 

"  You  may  as  well  give  Kathie  her  social  standing  at 
once,"  Mr.  Conover  said  to  his  sister.  "  She  is  to  be  the 
equal  of  the  best  here,  both  in  wealth,  accomplishments, 
and,  we  all  trust,  in  character.  But  I  desire  that  there 
shall  be  no  question  note  as  to  where  she  belongs."  And  he 
smiled. 

So  the  supper  and  the  music  were  to  be  the  best  of  their 
kind.  Rob  made  the  discovery  that  it  would  be  full  moon  ; 
and  the  weather  was  delightfully  pleasant.  There  were  to 
be  colored  lanterns  on  porch  and  lawn,  and  some  out-door 
amusements.  The  most  familiar  of  her  girl  friends  had 


52  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

dropped  in,  but  after  the  invitations  were  out  the  others 
waited. 

Rob  went  to  New  Haven  for  a  few  da}-s  while  prepara- 
tions were  going  on,  and  immediately  afterwards  he  was 
to  start  for  his  new  post  of  duty.  Freddy  developed  a 
boyish  adoration  for  Kathie,  and  did  not  want  to  be  out 
of  her  sight  a  moment. 

The  day  had  been  lovely,  and  the  evening  was  perfec- 
tion. When  the  house  and  lawn  came  to  be  lighted  up 
Kathie  declared  it  looked  like  a  palace  on  a  small  scale. 
Her  choice  for  a  dress  had  been  a  pale  blue  silk,  trimmed 
with  an  abundance  of  Malta  lace,  which  gave  it  a  peculiar 
delicate  and  aiiy  appearance.  Without  being  particularly 
handsome  in  any  respect,  Kathie  was  a  very  pretty  girl, 
quite  tall,  and  with  a  graceful  slenderness.  Winsome  was 
the  word  to  apply  to  her.  A  freshness  sweet  and  whole- 
some, a  thorough  enjoyment  that  somehow  made  the  joy 
sweeter  and  better  for  all  around  her. 

She  appeared  exceedingly  lovely  this  evening,  as  she 
stood  with  her  mother,  being  introduced  and  receiving 
guests.  Aunt  Ruth,  in  purple  velvet  and  soft  laces,  looked 
as  if  she  might  have  stepped  out  of  a  picture.  Jessie  and 
Mr.  Meredith  were  as  much  at  home  as  members  of  the 
family  ;  and  Ada  had  come  out  with  her  husband. 

"  I  took  him  awa}r  from  important  cases  and  every- 
thing," she  said  to  Kathie,  "  for  I  felt  that  I  must  see  you 
this  night  of  all.  He  rarely  goes  to  parties.  How  lovely 
everything  is  ;  and  you  are  simply  perfect !  Give  me  credit 
for  a  great  deal  of  self-control,  for  I  am  tempted  every 
moment  to  be  jealous  of  you.  Kathie,  all  the  good  things 
of  this  life  do  come  right  in  your  way.  You  will  be  a  lit- 
tle queen,  with  everybod}r  doing  you  homage.  Everybody 
alwa}-s  did,  for  that  matter.  Why !  It  is  one  of  the 
grand  puzzles  to  me,  when  the  whole  world,  or  at  least  a 
great  part,  is  striving  continually  — " 

"  As  to  who  shall  be   greatest "  ;  and   the   pause  was 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  53 

filled  in  by  Uncle  Edward.  "  '  Seeketh  not  her  own'  — 
is  n't  that  the  great  secret  ?  And  then  — '  all  things  shall 
be  added.'  But  we  must  not  get  into  a  weighty  discussion 
just  now,  for  the  young  gentlemen  are  looking  askance  at 
Kathie,  and  the  music  is  inspiriting." 

Dick  Gray  son  came  up  to  ask  Kathie's  hand  for  the  first 
quadrille,  if  she  were  not  already  engaged. 

"What  a  handsome  }roung  couple!"  exclaimed  Ada. 
Then,  with  a  smile,  "  The  next  important  question  will  be 
who  Kathie  will  marry.  I  opine  there  will  be  heart-burn- 
ings and  jealousy,  even  if  she  does  not  set  up  for  a  fash- 
ionable belle.  But  she  has  everything  in  her  favor." 

"Ada  —  " 

"  No,  Uncle  Edward,  you  need  not  begin  a  lecture.  I 
will  admit  that  I  have  a  curiosity  to  be  Kathie  just  a  little 
while,  to  see  how  it  seems.  But  I  am  not  dissatisfied  with 
anything  in  my  own  life.  I  cannot  imagine  a  husband 
better  or  nobler  than  Philip."  And  a  gratified  smile  lighted 
up  her  face.  "  We  have  all  we  want  at  present,  and  some 
time  we  shall  go  abroad,  —  when  we  are  educated  up  to 
the  point  of  thorough  enjoyment.  And  I  am  glad  to  be 
through  with  the  strife  and  the  anxiety  of  choice,  and  all 
that.  So  now  I  can  speculate  on  the  future  of  other  girls, 
and  watch  their  mistakes,  and  their  seeking  after  pleasures. 
But  the  thing  with  Kathie  seems  to  be  this,  she  has  had 
everything  just  in  the  time.  I  was  a  young  lady  at  heart, 
thinking  of  lovers  and  marriage  and  dress,  when  I  knew 
her  first.  I  never  had  any  real  childhood,  —  few  girls  do 
nowadays.  Hers  was  so  perfect,  so  lovely ;  I  think 
of  it  often  now.  How  happy  the}'  all  were  the  summer  I 
was  here !  and  they  were  only  tasting  the  mere  edges  of 
their  cake.  If  they  had  run  through  it  and  found  the  ring, 
there  would  have  been  nothing  but  the  same  old  pleasure 
over  again  —  the  crumbs.  But  see,  the  dancing  is  to 
begin,  and  I  am  to  take  Dr.  Gamier  through  a  quadrille." 

The  band  was  stationed  on  the  wide  piazza,  and  some 


54  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

of  the  younger  people  had  proposed  the  beautiful  lawn  for 
a  part  of  the  dancing  ground.  The  turf  was  short  as  vel- 
vet, and  the  evening  an  unusually  dry  one.  Over  all  the 
moon  wended  her  way  royally,  dimming  the  countless  stars, 
silvering  the  outlines  of  the  evergreens  until  they  seemed 
alight  with  gems.  Here  and  there  a  colored  lamp  toned 
the  scene,  giving  apparent  warmth  and  softened  tint. 
The  strains  of  music  were  enchanting,  as  they  always  are  on 
the  evening  air. 

Kathie  and  Dick  led  the  quadrille  in-doors.  Rob  and 
Miss  F&y  Collamore  were  vis-a-vis.  Kathie  had  been  in- 
troduced to  both  girls,  and  her  first  glance  had  been 
caught  by  the  younger  one,  Louise,  a  bright,  lively  girl, 
not  so  tall  as  her  sister,  whose  hair  was  still  a  mass  of 
fluffy  golden  curls,  and  whose  dark  eyes  gave  her  a 
piquant  expression.  But  now,  as  she  met  the  other  face  in 
crossing  and  balancing,  an  occult  sympathy  drew  her  to  it. 
Like  the  pictured  faces  abroad  of  some  of  the  saints,  a 
pure  oval,  with  the  soft  brown  hair  brushed  straight  across 
the  forehead,  and  worn  in  a  heavy  coil  of  braids  at  the 
back,  a  mouth  of  tender  sweetness,  and  eyes  of  resigna- 
tion. There  was  something  more  in  them  when  she  turned 
them  to  Rob,  —  an  expression  that  gave  Kathie  a  curious 
little  thrill,  and  that  she  found  herself  speculating  upon 
afterward  when  she  saw  them  together. 

But  her  speculations  were  all  fragmentary  in  that  delight- 
ful whirl.  There  were  so  many  new  people,  and  the  old 
friends  had  changed,  —  grown  or  stood  still,  —  as  Kathie 
began  to  realize  that  even  the  last  might  happen.  When 
she  was  not  dancing  she  sought  them  out,  but  the  new 
claimants  seemed  to  crowd  in  and  bewilder  her. 

"  I  believe  I  am  vain  and  frivolous."  she  confessed, 
pausing  a  few  moments  beside  Uncle  Robert.  "It  is  all 
delightful !  and  the  spirit  in  my  feet  leads  me,  — '  who 
knows  how? ' "  smiling  up  into  the  fond  eyes ;  "  it  is  just 
a  fill  of  pleasure ! " 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  55 

"  My  little  girl,  it  is  right  to  enjoy  it  all." 
The  supper  was  elegantly  served,  and  the  guests  seemed 
to  enjoy  everything  to  the  uttermost.  The  sweet  and 
bright  variety  in  bringing  young  and  middle-aged  together, 
the  S3Tmpathetic  pleasure,  that  gave  a  more  personal  tone  to 
the  intermingling,  a  delightful  remembrance  that  each  could 
take  of  a  party  a  little  different  from  the  regulation  affairs, 
having  the  best  of  them,  and  something  better  beside. 


CHAPTER  V. 

KATHIE  sat  by  the  open  window  the  morning  after  the 
party,  glancing  out  in  a  dreamy  fashion.  There  was  a 
great  mound  of  salvia  resplendent  in  its  September  glory, 
and  over  a  pagoda  of  lattice-work  climbed  in  a  luxuriant 
manner  a  gorgeous  trumpet  creeper.  How  the  evergreens 
had  grown  since  they  first  came  here  !  and  what  a  beautiful, 
cool,  green  shade  tempered  the  brightness  ! 

"Tired?"  Uncle  Robert  sauntered  up  to  her,  and  then 
dropped  on  the  ottoman  in  an  indolent  fashion. 

"Tired!  oh,  no,"  with  a  gay  little  laugh.  "Do  you 
suppose  one  party  would  wear  me  out?  If  so  I  must  have 
climbed  Alps  and  explored  picture  galleries  in  vain." 

"  But  I  thought  you  looked  grave,  and  I  wondered  if 
your  serene  royal  highness  had  found  some  dregs  in  your 
cup." 

"  "Well,  I  have  "  ;  but  she  smiled  as  if  they  were  not  very 
depressing.  "  I  was  thinking  how  curious  people  are,  and 
that  I  was  no  exception." 

"  So  you  have  acquired  that  much  worldly  wisdom  ?  " 

"  Do  you  call  it  worldly  wisdom?  I  did  not  dignify  it 
by  so  high-sounding  a  name,  and  I  felt  a  little  humiliated  ; 
for  it  seemed  like  fickleness  on  my  part,  or  some  sort  of 
change,  or  outgrowing —  " 

"  You  are  delightfully  ambiguous." 

"  When  I  was  a  little  girl  I  used  to  come  to  you  with  all 
my  puzzles,  you  know.  I  have  not  had  any  of  late  ;  per- 
haps because  I  was  changing  about  and  enjoying  myself, 
and  did  not  keep  to  one  range  of  thought  or  feeling." 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  take  back  my  little  girl "  ;  and  a  ten- 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  57 

der  light  shone  in  his  eyes.  "  You  are  grown  so  tall  that 
I  need  some  link  or  chain  to  bring  you  back ;  so  what  is 
the  puzzle?" 

k'  Do  you  think  I  have  changed  very  much?  " 

"  I  can  hardly  answer  you  yet.  I  believe  I  was  a  good 
deal  surprised  at  first,  for  somehow  I  never  tried  to  get  the 
little  girl  out  of  my  mind ;  as  to  virtues  and  vices  —  " 

"  Oh,  you  know  I  did  not  mean  that !  It  is —  Well,  I 
will  tell  you  just  what  it  is.  You  know  how  fond  I  was  of 
the  Gardiner  girls?  It  seems  awful  to  say  it,  but  last 
night  —  "  Kathie  paused  with  a  flush  of  embarrassment. 

"You  found  a  difference,"  Uncle  Robert  suggested, 
quietly. 

"  It  seemed  so  strange.  Of  course  I  congratulated  Lucy 
on  her  engagement,  and  we  talked  of  the  girls  and  the 
changes,  and  it  appeared  somehow  as  if  we  came  to  the 
bottom  of  everything  so  quickly,  —  were  really  aground, 
—  and  you  could  hear  the  crunching  on  the  sand.  Lucy  is 
happy  and  content.  Annie  talked  a  little  about  Europe, 
as  if  it  was  a  few  towns  and  rivers  and  pictures  and  ruined 
castles.  Then  Lottie  Thorne  —  not  that  she  ever  was  any 
great  favorite  —  talked  as  if  it  was  all  Paris  and  fine 
dresses  and  being  presented  to  the  queen.  She  seemed 
amazed  that  I  was  not  at  a  drawing-room  or  a  grand  ball 
in  Paris.  And  even  Sophie  Dorrance  wasn't —  Well, it 
seemed  suddenly  to  me  that  I  had  outgrown  them  all,  and 
here,  in  sober  morning  light,  I  was  trying  to  get  the 
matter  settled  satisfactorily.  Can  I,  ought  I,  to  put 
myself  back,  or  could  I  bring  them  up?  It  is  no  real  lack 
of  regard." 

"  No.  It  happens  to  many  of  us  after  a  separation. 
One  mind  broadens,  deepens,  and  another  does  not.  But 
it  will  hardly  do  to  dwarf  the  growing  mind,"  with  a 
shrewd  half-smile. 

"  Then  you  do  not  think  it  wrong?  "  with  a  joyful  sense 
of  relief  in  her  tone.  "  Or  fickleness  ?  " 


58  WHOM  'KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  No.  It  is  one  of  the  inevitable  laws  of  mental  im- 
provement. You  have  had  a  wider  sphere  and  experience 
than  most  girls  of  your  age.  This  is  the  thing  we  are  all 
doing  unconsciously,  —  outgrowing  some  one  else  ;  stand- 
ing on  a  little  higher  intellectual  plane.  When  we  begin  to 
be  vain  of  our  ascent,  and  despise  those  who  are  left 
behind,  it  is  time  to  take  heed  of  our  ways.  But  the 
natural  changes  settle  themselves.  The  Gardiners  will 
always  keep  in  a  small  round,  and  be  very  estimable 
women,  not  comprehending  or  longing  for  the  greater 
knowledge.  It  is  a  wise  providence  of  God  that  there 
should  be  a  great  many  of  these  kindly,  simple-hearted, 
easily  contented  people  in  the  world.  But  those  who  have 
greater  advantages  are  expected  to  use  them." 

' '  I  may  as  well  confess  all  my  faults ,  since  you  are  so 
lenient.  Are  you  not  partial,  Uncle  Robert?"  Kathie 
asked  archly.  "  I  could  n't  help  thinking  that  I  liked  the 
Collamores,  in  just  one  evening,  better  than  the  old  friends  ; 
that  is,  I  had  the  feeling  that  there  were  more  real  sources 
of  enjoyment  between  us.  But  to  throw  over  old  friends —  " 

"  You  need  not  throw  them  over.  They  gradually  drop 
out  of  themselves.  I  was  glad  to  have  you  begin  with  the 
old  and  the  new,  that  none  of  the  old  friends  should  feel 
hurt  or  slighted.  Society  does  demand  certain  courtesies 
of  us,  and  it  serves  to  keep  in  check  the  selfishness  of  hu- 
man nature.  Many  of  these  matters  will  be  regulated  by 
experience.  Your  life,  your  pleasures  and  enjoyments  will 
take  you  out  of  the  Gardiners'  circle.  They  will  have 
their  own  friends  and  relatives,  whom  you  probably  will  care 
little  about ;  you  will  have  yours,  among  whom  they  would 
not  feel  at  home.  You  will  go  on  exchanging  calls  and 
visits  at  intervals,  and  both  will  recognize  the  fact  that 
each  has  an  interest  beyond  the  other,  and  good  sense  will 
keep  both  parties  from  any  imaginary  injury." 

"  Then  you  think  I  may  make  all  the  new  friends  I  de- 
sire to?" 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  59 

"  I  do  not  believe  it  will  be  necessary  to  restrict  you 
yet  awhile.  Dr.  Johnson  advised  people  to  keep  their 
friendships  in  repair ;  and  I  have  found  it  very  good  coun- 
sel. You  will  make  mistakes  :  young  people  always  do,  — 
older  ones  too,  for  that  matter.  Some  persons  will  appear 
very  charming  at  first,  and  you  will  soon  tire  of  them ; 
then  you  may  discover  a  gem  where  you  had  not  looked  for 
one." 

"  I  wonder  if  you  will  be  surprised  at  my  developing  a 
taste  for  gayeties?  I  thought  last  night  enchanting." 

' '  My  dear,  it  is  the  province  of  youth.  There  are 
pleasures  then  that  we  cannot  enjoy  later  in  life.  I  want 
you  to  be  a  happy  young  girl ;  not  a  pedant  or  a  critical 
moralist.  And  now  what  does  your  ladyship  propose  to  do 
this  morning  ?  " 

"Oh,  I  did  promise  to  drive  over  to  the  Darrells  this 
morning.  Ada  goes  at  noon  with  Jessie  and  Mr.  Mere- 
dith. How  I  shall  miss  them  !  Uncle  Robert,  I  have  a 
fancy  that  I  grew  up  to  them.  I  was  such  a  little  girl  when 
Miss  Jessie  first  liked  me.  But  I  must  run  away  and 
change  my  dress." 

She  soon  returned  in  driving  attire,  looking  fresh  and 
rosy,  showing  no  sign  of  fatigue.  Indeed,  it  seemed  even 
now  as  if  she  could  dance  on  forever.  How  lovely  the 
world  was  !  What  a  delightful  thing  it  was  just  to  live  ! 

They  were  all  delighted  to  see  Kathie,  from  grandmother 
down  to  Robin.  Jessie's  trunk  was  packed  and  stood  in 
the  hall. 

"  The  birds  all  fly  out  of  the  old  home  nest,"  said  grand- 
mother ;  "  we  can  only  keep  them  a  little  while." 

"But  they  come  back  again,"  rejoined  Mrs.  Darrell, 
with  her  motherly  smile.  "It  is  the  way  of  the  world; 
and  we  are  so  glad  to  have  Jessie  near  by  once  more." 

"  And  to  think  of  my  having  her  all  the  time  !  I  am  so 
glad  I  decided  upon  the  seminary,  for  now  that  Jessie  is 
to  set  up  her  household  gods  in  New  York,  I  can  watch 


60  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

the  process  of  their  being  decorated  with  foreign  gear  and 
gauds,"  declared  Charlie.  "  Kathie,  pardon  me,"  and  he 
bowed  very  low.  "  I  ought  to  have  risen  with  the  lark  — 
does  he  get  up  early  in  September  as  well  as  June?  —  and 
made  my  party  call.  I  had  no  idea  that  you  would  be 
out  after  such  a  night  of  dissipation.  It  was  just  splen- 
did !  but  I  can't  imagine  anything  at  Cedarwood  beiug 
less  than  the  most  delightful  of  its  kind." 

"  Highly  complimentary !"  exclaimed  Ada,  entering  at 
that  moment.  "  But  I  thought  we  should  miss  }*ou, 
surely.  Early  rising  is  an  old  habit  of  }'ours,  I  believe." 

*'  It  was  late  this  morning,"  returned  Kathie. 

"  No  need  to  ask  how  you  are,  for  your  face  tells  the 
story.  It  was  a  lovely  party,  and  I  think  everybody  en- 
joyed it.  Please  put  me  down  for  the  next  one.  Even 
Dr.  Gamier  wasn't  a  bit  bored,  and  he  is  very  shy  of 
parties." 

"  I  am  so  sorry  to  have  you  all  go,"  Kathie  declared, 
looking  around.  "  Aunt  Ruth  and  uncle  are  to  start  for 
Washington  the  first  of  next  month,  Rob  and  all  the  boys 
will  be  away,  and  I  shall  have  to  take  to  party  going  in 
pure  self-defence." 

"And  visiting,"  said  Jessie.  "  I  do  not  mean  to 
abate  my  claim.  I  shall  certainly  give  parties,  if  that  will 
be  the  way  to  beguile  you ;  and  Robin  cannot  be  de- 
serted." 

Ada  took  her  off  presently. 

"  After  all,"  she  began,  "  you  are  a  real  young  girl.  I 
wanted  to  see  what  you  did  last  night,  —  whether  3*011  were 
too  grave  for  follies  and  pleasures,  and  meant  to  set.  us  all 
an  example." 

"  But  Uncle  Robert  does  n't  think  it  wrong."  And  she 
glanced  up  with  questioning  eyes.  Ada  was  difficult  to 
understand. 

"  No  one  said  it  was  wrong  ;  and  if  one  could  map  out 
one's  life  and  find  the  true  dividing  line,  and  shun  that 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  61 

where  pleasure  runs  into  frivolity  and  where  enjoyment 
turns  to  envy  and  jealousy  and  detraction  !  But  you  will 
have  a  lovely  time,  Kathie  Alston,  and  why  should  you 
not  take  the  best  that  comes  ?  There  is  no  one  to  hurry 
you  into  marriage,  to  hurry  you  into  anything ;  and  so 
you  can  enjoy  }'our  pleasures  slowly,  thoroughly  ;  and  if  I 
can't  give  you  a  party  when  you  come  to  visit  me,  I  can 
regale  you  with  a  choice  little  supper,  and  show  you  Dr. 
Gamier  at  his  best.  You  will  never  be  able  to  slip  quite 
out  of  my  grasp." 

Kathie  laughed  a  little,  yet  was  not  quite  sure  she 
should  elect  Ada  for  a  friend  now  any  more  than  in  the 
past.  It  was  one  of  the  puzzles  of  life  that  was  not  com- 
fortably settled  for  her. 

Dinner  was  early  on  account  of  train  time.  Charlie 
took  out  the  light  wagon  to  drive  Kathie  and  Ada,  while 
the  others  and  the  trunk  would  occupy  the  family  carriage. 
They  were  all  loath  to  spare  cunning  baby  Robin  ;  but  the 
good-byes  were  said  presently,  —  they  were  only  for  a  little 
while  now. 

After  they  had  watched  the  train  out  of  sight,  Charlie 
helped  Kathie  back  into  the  wagon. 

"  I  am  going  to  present  a  petition,"  he  began.  "  I  want 
you  to  give  me  this  afternoon.  I  shall  go  away  so  soon, 
and  I  am  not  satisfied  with  bits  and  fragments.  I  want 
one  good  long  talk,  that  will  keep  in  my  mind  until  I  see 
you  again." 

"  But  mamma — " 

"We  will  stop,  so  she  need  have  no  anxiety.  I  think 
she  will  trust  you  to  me,"  he  said,  a  little  proudly. 

Kathie  had  been  so  used  to  guardianship  that  it  seemed 
odd  at  the  first  moment.  Yet  she  and  Bruce  had  gone 
so  much  together ;  still,  there  was  a  little  strangeness 
about  the  young  man  Charlie,  with  his  deferential  courtesy, 
quite  different  from  the  boy  who  had  been  her  playmate 
and  champion. 


62  WHOM   KATHIB   MARRIED. 

Mrs.  Alston  had  no  objection.  She  was  very  fond  of 
Charlie  Darrell,  and  would  have  enjoyed  a  son  of  this  kind, 
who  never  gave  one  an  anxious  thought. 

They  drove  slowly  through  the  old  haunts,  now  and  then 
greeted  by  a  familiar  voice.  Here  they  used  to  go  chest- 
nuting.  A  great  strip  had  been  taken  off  for  a  street,  the 
woods  thinned  and  cleared  up,  the  ground  a  mass  of  velvet 
turf  and  moss.  Then  they  followed  Silver  River  to  the 
point  where  it  met  and  emptied  into  Guilford  River.  Even 
the  little  straggling  settlement  of  Guilford  had  improved 
and  was  brightened  up  by  a  paper  mill.  But  they  were 
not  intent  upon  these  signs  of  industry,  so  turned  out  of 
their  course  to  beauty,  softness,  the  tender  touches  of 
nature.  Birds  sang  in  the  lingering  tones  of  later  summer, 
bees  droned,  insects  crooned,  and  the  sweetness  of  balsam, 
the  resinous  odor  of  the  pines,  and  the  wine-like  fragrance 
of  wild  grapes  filled  the  air. 

They  talked  as  young  people  will,  —  of  the  future  and  its 
promises,  bright  with  hope  and  romance,  old,  old  memories 
and  interests.  His  were  the  dreams  and  the  ambitions, 
tempered  with  the  higher  grace,  of  the  great  work  to  do 
in  the  world,  of  the  poor  souls  that  were  to  be  raised, 
ennobled,  saved,  of  the  truth  to  be  made  manifest  in  daily 
living  and  work.  He  had  an  enthusiastic  love  and  rever- 
ence for  the  calling  that  he  had  chosen,  and  it  had  not  only 
the  sanction  of  his  parents,  but  their  approval  and  sym- 
pathy. 

Kathie  listened  with  an  interest  that  was  very  fascinating 
to  the  young  man.  All  the  delights  and  variety  of  the  two 
years  abroad  had  not  spoiled  her.  She  was  the  same 
honest,  frank,  tender  girl,  ready  to  take  up  her  duties  in 
life,  readjr  for  sympathy  and  earnest  endeavor ;  and  as 
he  glanced  at  her  fair  face  the  half- formed  dreams  of  boy- 
hood took  shape,  and  he  knew  then  what  the  hope  of  man- 
hood would  be  to  him. 

When  she  returned  she  found  her  mother  and  Uncle 
Robert  ready  for  tea. 


WHOM  KATHIE   MAKRIED.  63 

"  Where  is  Rob?  "  she  asked. 

"  At  the  Collamores',  I  fancy :  I  saw  the  young  people 
playing  croquet  on  the  lawn." 

' '  How  odd !  Rob  did  not  affect  croquet,  as  I  remem- 
ber"; and  Kathie  smiled.  "  I  think  he  likes  Miss  Fay 
very  much." 

"  I  should  be  glad  if  he  liked  her  a  great  deal,  and  she 
liked  him,"  said  Mrs.  Alston. 

"  Rob  has  never  been  a  very  ardent  lover  of  the  sex," 
returned  his  uncle,  "  but  I  arn  glad  in  his  first  essay  his 
fancies  run  so  wisely." 

"  And  I  shall  cultivate  them,"  declared  Kathie.  "  I  liked 
them  all  so  much ;  but  I  believe  I  admire  Miss  Fay  the 
most." 

"You  could  not  choose  more  agreeable  friends,"  said 
ier  mother. 

Aunt  Ruth  and  the  General  entered,  and  they  went  to 
supper.  Kathie  begged  to  be  excused  and  retired  early, 
and  scarcely  had  her  head  touched  the  pillow  before  she 
was  in  the  sweet  sleep  of  care-free  youth. 

Mr.  Conover  found  his  sister  sitting  on  the  broad  step 
of  the  piazza  after  the  others  had  left  her. 

"  "  You  are  grave,  Dora,"  he  said,  in  a  kindly  tone  ;  "  you 
must  learn  not  to  feel  so  anxious  about  Rob.  There  is  not 
very  much  to  fear,  I  think.  He  certainly  has  conducted 
himself  very  well  through  his  college  years  ;  and  if  he  dis- 
appoints us  both  %,  little  in  his  choice,  we  must  remember, 
'  The  thoughts  of  youth  are  long,  long  thoughts.' " 

"  Thank  you,  Robert"  ;  and  she  motioned  him  to  a  seat 
beside  her.  "No  father  could  have  been  kinder  to  them 
than  you  have  been,  or  more  patient.  I  am  trying  to 
resign  myself  to  his  going  away,  though  I  was  not  thinking 
so  much  of  that  now.  If  I  could  make  a  wish  for  him  and 
have  it  come  to  pass ' ' ;  and  there  was  a  lingering  cadence 
in  her  tone. 

"What  would  it  be?" 


64  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  That  he  might  love  and  marry  Fay  Collamore." 

"  Wh}-,  Dora  !  You  have  actually  a  longing  to  choose 
your  son's  wife.  Mothers  are  not  always  ready  to  do 
that." 

"  I  understand  that  I  must  give  him  up  ;  that,  however 
brave,  manly,  and  successful  he  may  prove,  he  will  never 
be  to  his  mother  what  some  sons  are ;  and  }*et  I  think  he 
loves  me  better  now  than  at  any  time  in  his  life.  But  he 
has  always  been  outside  of  mine,  so  to  speak.  It  was  boy 
friends  and  pleasures,  now  it  will  be  men  and  business, 
and  some  time  a  wife.  The  wife  may  wean  him  away 
entirely." 

"  And  if  it  were  Fay,  you  know  she  would  not." 

"  I  should  have  another  daughter.  I  am  glad  Kathie 
has  taken  a  fancy  to  the  girls  ;  I  hoped  she  would.  Yet  I 
think  mothers  have  a  right  to  feel  as  anxious  over  the  mar- 
riage of  their  sons  as  that  of  their  daughters ;  and  an 
unfortunate  marriage  as  surely  wrecks  a  young  man." 

"  I  own  I  have  felt  a  little  surprised  at  Rob's  evincing  a 
preference  for  any  one,  and  Miss  Collamore's  influence 
over  him  could  be  productive  of  good  only.  She  is  strong 
and  firm,  with  all  her  gentleness ;  yet  it  would  seem  a 
little  strange  for  any  of  them  to  marry :  the}r  are  such 
children." 

Mrs.  Alston  sighed.  Just  then  a  step  sounded  on  the 
gravel  walk.  Rob  came  up  and  paused  before  them,  while 
they  exchanged  a  pleasant  greeting ;  then,  as  if  obeying 
some  sudden  impulse,  he  clasped  his  arms  around  his 
mother's  neck  and  kissed  her  fondly,  and  a  moment  after- 
ward uttered  an  abrupt  good  night. 

"  I  wonder  if  I  ask  too  much? "  the  mother  cried,  in  her 
longing,  yearning  soul. 

The  next  day  was  Rob's  last  at  home.  He  had  said 
good  by  to  the  old  haunts  and  friends,  and  he  lingered 
about  the  rooms  in  such  a  melancholy  way  that  Kathie 
rallied  him  on  a  newly  discovered  sentiment.  He  packed 


WHOM   KATHIE   MAERIED.  65 

his  trunk,  talked  a  long  while  with  Aunt  Ruth,  and  even 
declined  an  invitation  to  go  out  driving  with  Uncle  Robert. 
Late  in  the  afternoon  Miss  Collamore  came  over  with  her 
sister  to  call  on  Kathie.  The  girls  soon  discovered  similar 
tastes  and  fancies.  Miss  Fay  painted  considerably  in  oils, 
and  had  met  Mrs.  Langdon,  whom  she  liked  very  much. 
Kathie  pieced  it  out  with  bits  of  their  adventures  abroad. 

"  How  delightful  it  must  be  to  have  her  husband  so 
much  interested  in  her  pursuits !  I  like  to  hear  Mrs. 
Adams  talk  of  them,  and  I  hope  to  know  her  better  when 
she  returns,  —  and  you  two  were  schoolmates  !" 

"Yes,"  returned  Kathie,  "only  you  know  she  was 
much  wiser  in  nearly  every  point  than  I,  and  she  has  a 
genius." 

"  I  was  wondering,"  said  Miss  Fay,  "how  it  was  you 
put  your  mark  so  upon  people.  Everybody  seems  to 
remember  something.  Why,  at  first,  I  supposed  you  a 
woman  grown,  and  your  uncle  told  me  one  day  that  you 
were  only  a  child.  You  are  not  older  than  Louise." 

Kathie  flushed,  but  made  no  answer. 

"  And  I  was  so  afraid  I  should  not  like  you.  I  wanted 
to  so  much;  but  sometimes,  when  you  hear  persons 
talked  of  a  good  deal  —  is  it  the  perversity  of  human 
nature?  —  you  can't  or  will  not  like  them." 

"  I  hope  you  will,"  Kathie  said,  in  a  sweet,  grave  tone. 

"  Oh,  I  do  !  I  liked  your  face  in  a  moment,  —  and  the 
party  was  so  delightful ;  but  it  could  not  be  disconnected 
from  you.  It  was  not  so  much  in  honor  of  you  as  a  part 
of  you.  Then  your  uncle  had  told  me  of  a  party  you  had 
when  the  house  was  christened,  and  that  Mr.  Meredith 
called  it  '  Kathie's  Fairy  Land.' " 

"  I  used  to  be  such  a  famous  little  girl  for  fairy  stories," 
said  Kathie,  with  a  bright  laugh ;  "  and  I  like  them  yet ; 
it  seems  as  if  a  great  many  real  fairy  incidents  had  hap- 
pened to  me." 

Mrs.  Alston  came  out  to  announce  that  supper  was 

5 


66  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

ready,  and  beg  them  to  stay.  At  first  they  insisted  they 
had  only  come  to  make  a  call ;  but  everybody  overruled, 
and  they  remained.  After  supper  they  had  some  very  fine 
music,  and  Rob  escorted  them  home. 

"  I  am  to  go  over  and  see  Miss  Fay's  studio,"  Kathie 
announced ;  "  and  Miss  Louise  is  doing  lovely  high- art 
work.  Mamma,  I  suppose  I  shall  have  to  get  at  some- 
thing. Shall  I  embroider,  or  paint,  or  study  operas  ?  " 

"  For  a  wfiile  you  need  not  be  distressed,  I  think." 

"  Can  I  spend  my  time  in  idleness,  just  enjoying  every- 
thing and  loving  you  ?  For  mamma  mia,  we  have  two  long 
years  to  make  up."  And  Kathie  kissed  her  fondty. 

The  tears  came  into  Mrs.  Alston's  eyes.  Here,  as  in 
the  years  gone  by,  she  must  find  her  greatest  comfort ;  and 
she  pressed  her  daughter  fondly  to  her  heart. 

Two  days  later  Rob  said  good  by  and  went  to  his  new 
path  of  duty.  It  was  a  promising  position  in  an  excellent 
mercantile  house,  and  on  good  behavior  and  business 
capacity  depended  a  series  of  promotions. 

"You '11  write  often?"  his  mother  had  said;  "and  I 
hope  3rou  will  find  a  pleasant  home." 

"  Don't  worry  about  that,  little  mother.  I  hope  I  shaft 
prove  no  discredit  to  any  of  you,  and  I  do  mean  some  time 
to  be  a  rich  man,  to  take  care  of  }*ou  in  your  old  days." 
And  he  laughed,  with  an  effort  at  gayety. 

"  I  hope  it  may  be  so,"  she  made  answer  ;  but  there  was 
a  tremulousness  in  her  tone. 

Uncle  Robert  accompanied  him  to  the  station.  It  was 
a  quiet  drive,  but,  as  they  stood  on  the  platform,  Rob  sud- 
denly grasped  his  uncle's  hand,  and  though  his  face  was  a 
trifle  averted,  the  husky  tone  betrayed  how  deeply  his 
heart  was  touched. 

"  No  words  can  ever  thank  you,  Uncle  Robert,"  he  said, 
"  for  the  kindly  care  you  have  bestowed  upon  me  ;  but  I 
want  you  to  know  that  I  do  appreciate  it,  that,  as  my 
mother  says,  you  have  been  more  than  a  father  to  us,  to 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  67 

me,  and  I  want  you  to  feel  sure,  positive,  that  I  shall  not 
shame  you  in  the  new  essay  I  am  about  to  make.  If  I 
should  ever  be  tempted  to  dishonest}7,  I  will  throw  up 
everything  and  come  back  to  you  ;  and  I  feel  quite  certain 
now  that  I  shall  never  drink  or  drop  into  bad  company. 
Trust  me  in  all  these  things,  will  you,  and  comfort 
mother?" 

"  I  will  trust  you,  remember  that,  my  boy  ;  and  I  think 
I  could  hardly  care  more  for  an  own  son." 

He  felt  the  shiver  that  ran  through  the  boy's  arm ;  but 
the  train  came  along  with  its  rush,  and  their  hands  clasped 
tighter  for  a  moment,  then  parted  as  if  with  a  wrench. 
Rob  entered,  settled  himself,  but  would  not  trust  even  a 
glance  without. 

Uncle  Robert  drove  home  slowly.  There  was  some 
trouble,  some  lesson  learned  by  bitter  experience,  some 
urgent  need  of  money  he  guessed,  and  sighed  to  himself. 
Time  would  tell.  He  could  trust  him  for  the  future. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THERE  was  nothing  but  changes,  Kathie  thought.  Aunt 
Ruth  and  Uncle  Mackenzie  went  to  Washington,  and  she 
had  a  promise  of  a  few  weeks  if  mamma  could  spare  her. 
Mrs.  Meredith  had  taken  a  house  in  New  York,  and  as 
soon  as  she  was  settled  Kathie  must  come  and  help  her 
arrange  some  of  the  adornments  brought  from  abroad ; 
and  at  home  every  day  seemed  occupied  finding  the  new 
level  and  adapting  herself  to  it. 

Hannah  and  Jane  Maybin  were  still  in  service.  Indeed, 
Jane  had  become  so  useful,  so  deft  and  ladylike,  that  Mrs. 
Alston  gave  up  the  care  of  the  dining-room  and  sleeping- 
chambers  almost  wholly  to  her.  She  had  gone  more  in 
society,  and  was  enjoying  some  of  her  olden  prestige. 
She  was  glad  now  that  she  had  begun  it,  for  Kathie 
needed  a  chaperone  and  friend.  Mrs.  Alston  had  no  fancy 
for  leaving  her  young  daughter  unguarded  through  her 
perilous  years,  and  the  little  touch  of  deference  to  elders 
that  Kathie  had  acquired  unconsciously  abroad  was  ex- 
tremely grateful  and  pleasing  to  mother  love.  Indeed,  it 
seemed  almost  like  her  lost  youth  returning,  to  have  this 
tall,  fair  girl  for  her  companion  ;  and  though  she  was  very 
unlike  Aunt  Ruth,  yet  those  days  were  suggested  by  so 
many  incidents  of  the  present. 

Fred  was  giving  very  little  trouble.  A  rather  slow  but 
indefatigable  student,  and  evincing  a  passion  for  chem- 
istry and  all  corresponding  experiments  that  sometimes 
quite  startled  one's  nerves.  Uncle  Robert  had  fitted  him 
up  a  laboratory  in  the  old  play -room,  and  tried  to  keep  an 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  69 

oversight  on  his  doings.  He  developed  an  almost  girlish 
fondness  for  his  mother,  and  had  little  of  Rob's  rapturous 
regard  for  boys  ;  but  as  little  did  he  care  for  being  a  girl's 
favorite.  To  be  let  alone  with  books  or  experiments  was 
his  delight ;  and  his  passion  was  horseback  rides  on  Jas- 
per, who  had  now  reverted  to  him. 

Invitations  poured  in  upon  Kathie.  Already  quite  a 
charming  "set"  had  been  formed,  happily  of  cultivated 
people  with  some  interest  beyond  the  exciting  one  of  dress . 
There  were  many  out-door  amusements,  though  the  boat 
club  was  shorn  of  its  glory.  Archery  had  become  a  great 
favorite.  Georgie  Halford  was  queen  here,  and  Mr. 
Adams  had  fitted  up  an  admirable  archery  ground.  Then 
there  was  a  sketching  club,  that  went  out  now  and  then  to 
study  nature.  They  were  all  bright  with  the  dreams  and 
hopes  of  youth,  and  tinged  with  the  inseparable  romance 
which  lends  to  these  early  years  its  greatest  charm. 

They  welcomed  Kathie  warmly.  Uncle  Robert  had 
made  himself  an  immense  favorite  with  young  people,  and 
the}r  all  felt  acquainted  with  her  after  the  evening  of  the 
party.  There  were  little  teas  and  musical  evenings,  which 
often  ended  with  some  favorite  quadrilles. 

"  How  do  you  ever  find  time  for  anything?"  she  asked 
in  despair,  as  she  sat  one  morning  in  the  pretty  room  at 
the  Collamores',  that  was  devoted  to  everything,  Louise 
said,  and  in  which  one  felt  at  home  immediately.  Fay  had 
her  easel  in  the  bay-window,  and  Louise  a  pretty  willow 
workstand,  with  her  bright,  soft  silks  and  quaint  embroid- 
eries. 

"  I  don't  know,"  and  Fay  glanced  up  with  a  quiet 
smile,  "  unless  it  is  that  we  have  settled,  and  3-011  are 
stih1  on  the  wing.  Coming  back  has  made  everything 
new  to  you.  Last  summer  mamma  and  I  spent  all  the 
time  in  calls  and  company,  it  seemed  to  me,  and  taking 
our  bearings,  as  a  sailor  would  say.  Lou  was  in  school 
then  ;  and  I  have  a  fancy  companionship  helps  you  along." 


70  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  Then  I  shall  have  to  bring  my  work  over  here.  Only 
what  shall  it  be?  I  think  it  spoils  one  to  go  abroad. 
You  buy  such  an  endless  sight  of  pretty  things  at  such 
bargains ;  and  I  know  I  should  never  have  the  patience 
to  work  a  set  of  curtains"  ;  stooping  to  examine  Louise's 
delicate  embroidery. 

' '  I  am  fond  of  sewing.  I  sit  here  and  go  over  the  old 
romances,  —  of  queens  with  their  maids  doing  marvellous 
handiwork,  of  ladies  making  colors  for  their  true  knights, 
who  went  crusading, — and  it  takes  me  back  to  the  old  world 
of  chivalry." 

"  And  Lou  is  romantic,"  declared  Fay.  "  Now  I  should 
never  care  to  sew  unless  I  was  in  great  trouble.  It  seems 
to  me  distracting  rather  than  tranquillizing ;  and  yet  it  is 
a  pretty  sight  to  see  a  group  around  a  table,  in  the  glow  of 
a  lighted  lamp,  the  busy  fingers  sewing,  while  one  reads 
aloud." 

"  Then  Fay  and  I  decided  not  to  have  the  same  special- 
ties. Of  course  we  both  studied  music, — that  seems  a 
necessity  nowadays, — but  I  had  no  genius  for  painting, 
and  I  wanted  some  pretty  house  accomplishment ;  and 
the  reason  why  I  began  curtains  was  that  I  was  afraid  I 
should  get  the  house  too  full  of  tidies  and  lambrequins  and 
banners,  and  this  would  last  me  a  long  while.  So, 
Kathie,  you  can  come  over  and  read  to  us,  or  tell  us  of 
the  wonders  abroad :  we  may  never  go  to  Europe." 

"  I  hope  you  will,"  returned  Kathie,  warmly.  "  Hear- 
ing is  not  quite  like  seeing ;  but  I  do  not  want  to  fall  into 
the  ridiculous  habit  of  prefacing  everything  with,  when  I 
was  in  Rome,  or,  when  I  was  in  Paris." 

"  I  think  you  are  extremely  modest,  and  I  do  enjoy 
your  descriptions,  they  are  so  fresh  and  graphic.  Some- 
times you  remind  me  of  your  brother.  How  you  must 
miss  him !" 

"  You  see  I  never  had  very  much  of  him.  He  was  at 
school  and  college,  and  now  I  have  been  the  truant.  We 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  71 

should  all  have  enjoyed  his  being  nearer  home ;  but  then 
he  was  n't  —  I  mean  he  never  cared  for  girls." 

Louise  laughed  at  that. 

u  He  used  to  consider  us  a  great  trouble,  but  I  think 
he  has  changed  somewhat."  And  Kathie  flushed  a  little, 
while  a  look  of  fun  lighted  up  her  eyes. 

"How  fortunate  young  men  do  change!"  exclaimed 
Lou.  "  Who  is  it  says  that  some  one  else  always  has  to 
find  out  how  nice  boy's  sisters  are?  We  thought  him 
quite  gallant ;  and  papa  praised  the  young  men  of  Brook- 
side  without  stint.  Only  it  is  remembered  virtues,  or 
blessings,  brightening,  etc.,  for  they  do  seem  to  have  taken 
their  flight  pretty  generally.  Eugene  groans  dismally." 

' '  I  thought  it  nice  that  some  one  should  charm  Rob  out 
of  his  boyish  indifference,  to  use  the  mildest  term.  He 
always  admired  men  so  much.  Mr.  Meredith  used  to  be 
his  ideal." 

"I  don't  wonder,  I  am  sure:  he  is  a  most  delightful 
gentleman ;  and  there  is  some  one  else  I  am  anxious  to 
see  —  Gen.  Mackenzie's  son  —  your  cousin  by  courtesy. 
Do  you  suppose  he  will  ever  come  back  to  Brookside? 
Your  brother  told  us  so  much  about  him." 

"  You  will  like  him,"  Kathie  said,  enthusiastically.  "  I 
don't  know  whether  the  government  will  give  him  any  va- 
cation until  his  three  years  are  up,  but  I  hope  so." 

"  I  do  sometimes  experience  a  little  tinge  of  envy  when 
I  see  you  in  all  your  glory,  Miss  Kathie  Alston,"  began 
Lou,  in  a  whimsical  tone,  when  Fay  interrupted. 

"  Here  comes  your  'loyal  knight  and  true,'  to  spirit  you 
away.  It  is  like  a  story-book.  Shall  I  wave  my  lily  hand 
to  him?" 

Kathie  glanced  out  of  the  window.  Uncle  Robert  had 
the  large  carriage  and  a  sudden  thought  flashed  across 
her  mind. 

"  I  will  run  down  a  moment,    she  said,  vanishing. 

"  Do  you  all  want  to  go  for  a  lovely  drive  ?  "  he  asked. 


»2  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  We  shall  not  have  many  such  gorgeous  days,  for  autumn 
is  on  the  wane." 

"  Yes,"  answered  Kathie,  "  I  will  gather  up  the  girls." 

They  were  delighted,  and  went  to  inform  their  mother 
and  hunt  up  their  wraps.  Mr.  Conover  was  on  very 
friendly  terms  with  them,  and  he  was  the  kind  of  man  to 
prove  an  invaluable  companion  to  young  girls.  They 
were  too  young  to  count  on  his  mariying,  consequently 
there  was  the  charm  of  perfect  ease. 

Kathie  resigned  to  Fay  the  seat  of  honor  beside  her 
uncle,  and  after  the}r  had  turned  on  the  lovely  river  road 
he  gave  Fay  the  reins  ;  she  was  very  fond  of  driving  the 
ponies.  It  was  a  fragrant,  dream}*,  Indian-summer  day, 
and  made  one  feel  luxuriously  indolent. 

"  Oh,  here  is  a  letter  for  }rou  !  "  said  Uncle  Robert,  hand- 
ing one  to  Kathie. 

It  was  from  Rob,  as  she  knew  at  a  glance.  He  was  not 
a  very  diffusive  correspondent,  but  quite  exacting  of  late. 
"  Tell  me  what  3rou  do,  and  where  you  go,"  he  said  ;  "  I 
am  hungry  for  home  news.  I  did  not  think  I  should  miss 
it  so  much.  Do  you  see  anything  of  Miss  Collamore  and 
her  sister?  Remember  me  kindly  to  them." 

Kathie  read  the  paragraph  aloud.  "  How  queer  for 
Rob  to  long  for  home  !  "  she  said  ;  "  and  yet  he  seems  a 
good  deal  interested  in  business." 

"  Tell  him  you  do  see  us,"  said  Lou,  "  and  that  we 
couldn't  live  without  you."  Fay  colored  delicately  and 
made  a  gentle  inclination  of  the  head.  Was  it  the  fresh, 
bright  morning  that  stirred  her  wifrh  unwonted  emotion? 
She  could  afford  to  give  him,  not  one  thought,  but  many, — : 
the  young  toiler  in  a  far-away  city.  There  were  pleasant 
walks  still  sacred  to  her,  little  bits  and  fragments  of  talk 
to  which  she  had  a  half-fancy  she  held  the  key.  He  had 
never  cared  for  girls  before,  but  he  had  seemed  much  in- 
terested in  them  ;  she  would  not  detatch  herself  from  her 
sister ;  and  she  wondered  if  he  would  be  back  at  Christ- 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  73 

mas,  or  another  summer :  there  were  so  many  pleasant 
things  yet  to  discuss,  so  much  of  earnest  purpose  left  un- 
said. 

Uncle  Robert  watched  the  wavering  color.  He  could 
not  know  the  thoughts  that  were  bringing  her  nearer  to 
him,  but  he  speculated  slowly  upon  what  life  would  have 
in  store  for  her  The  strange,  sweet  mystery  folded  deep 
within,  like  the  frond  of  a  fern,  the  joy  or  sorrow,  or  nega- 
tive content  of  a  young  girl's  life.  No,  it  would  never  be 
the  last.  "When  nature  was  once  roused,  moved  to  its  ut- 
termost, it  must  be  for  joy  or  suffering, —  something  that 
involved  her  in  the  supreme  emotions  of  life. 

The  two  on  the  back  seat  laughed  and  chatted  in  gay 
unconcern.  Their  time  would  come  later.  How  could 
any  one  help  being  joyous  on  this  queen  of  days,  in  this 
air  of  heavenly  content ! 

It  was  past  noon  when  they  returned.  Dinner  was 
waiting,  and  Mrs.  Alston  was  going  to  the  sewing  society 
that  afternoon. 

"  And  1  shall  write  letters  every  precious  moment  of 
the  time  !  "  declared  Kathie.  "  How  they  do  accumulate  ! 
Uncle  Robert,  do  you  know  that  I  have  been  extremely 
remiss  to  an  old  friend?  I  have  not  been  to  see  Sarah 
Strong.  She  told  me  she  should  not  expect  me  until  I 
had  gone  t-he  round  of  the  home  friends,  and  was  thor- 
oughly rested.  I  have  been  home  almost  two  months,  and 
shall  never  get  around,  because  the  circle  widens  contin- 
ually. I  've  been  wondering  if  I  shall  feel  disappointed  in 
her." 

"No,"  answered  Uncle  Robert  decisively.  "She  has 
been  going  on  as  well  as  you.  She  is  not  of  the  stuff  to 
stop  while  there  is  a  next." 

"  Well,  I  am  anxious  to  see  her,  even  if  I  have  waited. 
It  was  because  I  thought  it  best  to  go  on  Saturday,  as  she 
is  more  at  liberty  then  ;  but  my  Saturdays  have  been  so 
occupied.  Suppose  I  promise  for  this  week,  —  can  you 
take  me  ? " 


74  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

•'  I  am  at  your  service,"  bowing. 

•'Thank  you.     Then  I  will  write." 

She  settled  herself  to  her  proposed  employment.  A 
long,  gossipy  letter  to  Robr  but  it  seemed  full  of  the  Coi- 
lamores.  They  had  gone  here  and  there,  they  had  talked 
over  so  many  things,  and  she  liked  them  so  much.  "  I 
suppose  I  ought  to  be  fondest  of  Lou,  because  she  is  near 
my  own  age,  and  I  do  like  her  to  be  gay  with ;  but  if  I 
should  ever  be  in  bitter  trouble,  with  no  mamma  or  Uncle 
Robert,  I  should  go  to  Fay.  Is  n't  it  queer  how  suddenly 
and  inexplicably  you  trust  some  people  ? " 

"  He  will  set  that  down  as  girls'  rodomontade,"  she 
said  to  herself,  with  a  smile. 

Aunt  Ruth,  and  then  Bruce,  to  whom  she  sent  all  the 
news  about  the  boys.  I  think  the  thing  that  comforted 
him  the  most  was  her  naive  admission  that  they  had  all 
gone,  and  Brookside  seemed  so  queer  without  them. 

It  was  dark  before  she  came  to  the  end  of  her  notes, 
but  she  drew  a  long  breath  of  relief,  and  resolved  to  keep 
them  in  better  order  in  the  future.  After  mamma's  re- 
turn came  supper,  and  nearly  all  the  evening  Kathie  sat  at 
the  piano  and  played  soft,  bewildering  tunes.  The  night 
had  turned  rainy  after  the  day  of  wonderful  loveliness, 
and  some  tunes  between  the  lingering  chords  one  could 
hear  the  soft  dripping  without. 

"  Have  I  tired  you?"  She  bent  over  Uncle  Robert  as 
he  lay  on  the  sofa,  and  kissed  his  forehead. 

"  Tired!  my  little  darling,  no.  It  is  so  seldom  that  I 
get  }"ou  aU  to  myself,  unless  I  am  taking  you  somewhere 
or  bringing  you  home." 

"I  have  developed  into  a  sad  run-about.  You  ought 
to  have  a  great  deal  more  of  me.  I  am  defrauding  you 
out  of  your  just  dues." 

"  I  must  not  turn  into  a  selfish  old  fellow  and  shadow 
your  brightness.  I  am  so  glad  to  have  you  happy." 

"But,  can  any  one  be  too  full  of  joy,  —  too  easily 
pleased  ?  Am  I  not  childish  and  frivolous  ?  " 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  75 

"  I  told  you  the  other  day  you  were  to  have  your  holi- 
day of  youth.  Enjoy  it  and  you  will  please  me." 

He  watched  her  as  she  flitted  across  the  room  to  her 
mother.  These  sweet,  pure,  transparent  young  girls'  lives 
interested  him  so  much,  for  he  had  reached  a  time  when 
he  could  detect  the  false,  and  the  true  had  become  dearer 
to  him.  His  little  Kathie  had  grown  into  this  tall,  fair 
being,  and  stood  on  the  threshold  of  womanhood.  Some 
time —  But  no,  it  was  pain  to  anticipate. 

Saturday  was  fair  and  auspicious,  with  a  rather  crisp 
air  after  the  storm.  They  decided  upon  an  early  dinner, 
and  then  Uncle  Robert  handed  her  into  the  phaeton,  and 
tucked  the  soft  robe  about  her.  How  pretty  and  refined 
she  looked,  with  a  little  dash  of  scarlet  in  her  soft,  gray 
costume,  and  everything  so  exquisitely  harmonious  ! 

The  road  to  Middleville  bad  met  with  few  changes  or 
improvements,  and  looked  rather  cheerless,  with  its  well- 
nigh  leafless  trees  and  yellow  or  brown  stubble  fields ; 
yet  Kathie  enjoyed  the  drive,  thinking  how  all  the  changes 
of  the  seasons  contributed,  each  in  its  turn,  a  beauty  and 
tone  to  the  world  ;  and  this  was  like  a  plain  dish  the  day 
after  a  gorgeous  feast. 

But  as  they  caught  sight  of  Farmer  Strong's,  they  re- 
marked a  change.  The  trees  were  trimmed  up,  the  fences 
in  good  order,  and  the  fields  had  a  cleared,  tidy  look,  as  if 
the  harvest  was  finished  and  put  away,  with  no  loose  ends 
or  fragments  left  about.  The  house  had  been  painted  a 
soft,  restful  stone  color,  with  brighter  trimmings,  and  the 
old-fashioned  door-yard  still  abounded  in  bloom.  There 
were  chrysanthemums  of  almost  every  color,  some  late 
roses,  and  clusters  of  geraniums.  A  porch  ran  across  part 
of  the  front  in  place  of  the  little  s£oop,  and  at  one  end  a 
Chinese  honeysuckle  was  timidly  clinging,  while  a  Virginia 
creeper  had  made  bolder  essays  and  was  hanging  out  its 
scarlet  sprays. 

A  figure  flashed  out  of  the  door  and  down  the  walk. 


76  WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Yes,  the  two  years  had  d»ne  a  great  deal  for  Sarah  Strong. 
Kathie  felt  that  she  would  hardly  have  known  her  the  first 
moment,  and  yet  it  was  more  the  inward,  spiritual  change 
manifest  in  every  direction,  than  any  purely  outward  alter- 
ation. She  was  of  medium  height  and  rather  stout,  but 
there  was  a  compactness  to  her  figure,  a  firmness  and  vigor 
to  her  step,  a  «haracter  in  the  poise  of  her  head.  Her 
hair  had  deepened  in  its  color,  though  it  was  still  red,  but 
its  tint  and  abundance  rendered  it  really  beautiful.  Her 
clear,  serious,  gray  eyes,  her  gracious  expression  and  ten- 
der smile,  made  the  face  good  looking  in  the  truest  sense. 

"Oh  ! "  she  exclaimed,  then  paused  suddenly,  as  if  half 
abashed. 

Kathie  sprang  out  and  clasped  her  arms  about  her  old- 
time  friend  and  admirer. 

"How  good  of  you  to  come!"  Sarah  cried,  with  a 
long,  struggling  breath.  "  And  oh,  how  —  how  beautiful 
you  have  grown  !  I  must  say  it ;  has  nt  she  ?  "  turning  to 
Mr.  Conover.  "  I  have  thought  so  much  about  you,  and 
wondered,  —  and  }~our  letters  were  such  treasures.  But 
there  is  nothing  like  really  having  3*ou  once  again  ;  changed 
and  yet  not  changed  ;  but  I  don't  believe  anything  could 
spoil  you." 

"  I  don't  know,"  returned  Kathie,  archly.  "  Praise 
might." 

"  No,  it  wouldn't:  you  would  know  that  the  truth  was 
true,  and  the  rest  you  would  n't  care  for ;  and  sometimes 
people  cannot  help  speaking  out  what  is  in  their  hearts, 
sure  that  it  will  not  be  wrongly  interpreted.  But  they  are 
all  so  anxious  to  see  you,  and  yet  they  are  afraid  that  yor 
are  a  great  lady." 

Sarah  laughed  softly,  with  a  mellow  kind  of  cadence, 
and  Kathie  joine'd  her,  as  the  two  walked  across  the  porch 
and  entered  the  parlor. 

Kathie  recalled  unconsciously  her  first  introduction  to  it. 
That  too  had  been  gradually  toned  down.  And  what 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  77 

pleased  Kathie  the  most  was  the  utter  absence  of  any 
sense  of  newness,  though  she  realized  that  it  was  Sarah's 
parlor,  for  it  had  nearly  all  been  refurnished.  The  carpet 
was  a  rich  deep  brown,  with  here  and  there  a  dash  of 
crimson  and  olive  green.  A  few  easy-chairs  and  the  sofa 
she  had  once  been  so  proud  of  acquiring,  a  pretty  home- 
made bookcase,  with  some  jars  and  ornaments  on  the  top, 
and  getting  to  be  quite  well  filled ;  the  melodeon,  some 
well-chosen  pictures,  and  soft,  drapery  curtains  in  ecru, 
that  toned  the  white  wall,  which  Mrs.  Strong  would  retain 
as  a  point  of  cleanliness.  A  cheerful  fire  was  burning  in 
an  open-front  stove,  and  the  air  felt  delightful  after  the 
ride. 

"  No,  I  am  not  a  great  lady  that  any  one  might  be 
afraid  of,"  said  Kathie,  with  some  amusement.  "•  I  feel 
very  natural  in  getting  back  to  the  old  places  ;  sometimes 
it  seems  as  if  another  Kathie  had  been  abroad,  until  I 
count  up  the  changes." 

"  Mother ! "  Sarah  said ;  "  Cousin  Ellen  !  " 

Mrs.  Strong  entered,  her  own  hearty  self  in  spite  of  a 
certain  diffidence  ;  and  her  delight  was  visible  in  every  line 
of  her  face.  Beside  Cousin  Ellen,  Martha,  a  tall,  bashful 
girl,  seemed  longing  to  hide  herself,  and  yet  a  certain  curi- 
osity conquered  her  shyness ;  but  in  a  few  moments  the 
group  seemed  increased  indefinitely,  with  almost  every 
child  pushing  forward,  until  Kathie  stood  in  the  midst,  a 
little  princess  with  her  loyal  retainers. 

Uncle  Robert  had  driven  down  to  the  barn,  as  usual.  To 
the  thrift  here  had  been  added  a  kind  of  sensible  orderli- 
ness. The  farmers  around  rather  sneered  at  the  new-fan- 
gled notions  of  the  Strongs,  taken  out  of  books  and  papers, 
but  the  result  remained  a  source  of  astonishment,  and  not  a 
little  secret  envy.  There  were  better  crops  finer  fruit, 
some  successful  ventures  in  new  things  ;  and  the  money 
gain  was  the  thing  they  could  not  well  despise.  Father 
and  sous  labored  harmoniously  together.  James  had  his 


78  WHOM   KATHTE    MARRIED. 

workshop  and  exercised  his  ingenuity  on  rainy  days  pro- 
ducing some  creditable  pieces  of  workmanship.  He  had 
decided  not  to  go  to  the  cityfor  a  trade,  and  add  another 
to  the  strugglers. 

Within  the  house  they  talked  and  talked.  Kathie  in  her 
refinement,  breeding,  and  culture  was  the  same  marvel  to 
them  as  heretofore.  There  was  no  condescension,  no 
standing  a  little  apart,  and  yet  they,  by  a  fine  natural  con- 
sent, set  her  above  themselves. 

"  Now,  children,"  said  Mrs.  Strong,  "  come  out  in  tha 
kitchen  and  leave  Sarah  and  Miss  Kathie  to  themselves  a 
little  while." 

The  children  obeyed  rather  reluctantly,  but  the  two  were 
finally  left  for  a  girlish  confidence.  And  there  was  so 
much  to  say, — school,  with  its  gradual  advancement; 
church,  with  its  music  and  its  grand  lessons,  a  little  soci- 
ety, even  in  that  country  place,  and  the  work  to  do. 

Sarah  Strong  said  it  with  a  glad,  true  ring.  Work  was 
the  thorough  comprehensiveness  of  living.  A  plain,  nar- 
row place,  but  not  small,  only  a  little  soul  could  contract 
it.  Ever}'thing  she  touched  came  presently  to  have  a  vi- 
tality of  its  own.  She  was  not  a  nurse,  she  could  not 
pander  to  weakness  ;  her  theory  must  stand  alone,  robust, 
far-reaching,  and  her  practice  must  lead  others  to  help 
themselves.  Yet  there  was  no  rudeness  in  all  this,  rather 
a  gentle  firmness,  that  allowed  no  turning  back,  that  pointed 
out  mistakes  clearly. 

As  Kathie  listened  she  wondered.  What  would  Sarah 
do  with  this  life  presently?  Was  she  not  needed  out  in  the 
great  world  ?  And  how  would  she  get  there  ?  And  then 
Kathie  knew  the  God  who  had  guided  hitherto  could  not 
fail  or  go  wrong.  Perhaps  it  was  just  here  the  work  was 
required.  And  she  was  holding  herself  steadfast,  garner- 
ing up  the  true  content,  staying  here,  but  learning  all  the 
time  to  go  up  higher  when  the  true  summons  came,  yet 
not  hurrying  nor  dimming  the  grace  of  the  present  by  any 
impatience. 


WHOM  KATHIE    MARRIED.  79 

"  What  a  grand  thing,"  she  said,  presently,  "  to  have 
been  in  all  these  places  ;  and  the  next  best  is  to  see  through 
a  friend's  eyes.  When  I  had  your  two  or  three  letters 
from  Rome,  I  knew  you  were  looking  at  things  for  me. 
But  further  back,  when  you  were  in  Moscow,  you  spoke  of 
Napoleon,  and  we  found  two  or  three  histories  and  read 
them  aloud.  James  was  so  interested.  Then  we  wanted 
to  know  about  Russia  and  Prussia,  and  all  these  quarrels 
with  kings  and  emperors.  I  interested  the  school- children, 
and  they  in  turn  roused  their  parents.  It  is  always  the 
little  leaven.  And  how  can  people  shut  their  eyes  and 
care  nothing  about  the  events  outside  their  little  circle  ?  I 
always  did  want  to  know";  smiling.  "When  I  find  a 
child  dull  and  ignorant,  and  am  tempted  to  be  impatient, 
.  think  of  your  goodness." 

"But  you  were  not  dull,"  said  Kathie.  "Ask  Uncle 
Robert.  I  believe  his  sympathy  has  brought  about  higher 
results  than  any  act  of  mine." 

"  There  was  a  step  on  the  porch  and  Sarah  started.  It 
was  too  dark  to  see  the  quick  color  mantle  her  face. 

"  Kathie,"  she  said,  "  I  must  beg  your  pardon  for  some- 
thing I  have  done.  I  hated  to  lose  even  a  moment  of 
your  precious  time,  but  I  read  one  of  your  letters  to  our 
minister,  and  promised  him  if  ever  I  could  arrange  it  you 
should  meet;  so  father  asked  him  down  to  tea.  He 
is  coming  now.  Don't  feel  annoyed,  please." 

Then  she  began  to  light  the  lamp.  Martha  opened  the 
door  and  announced  Mr.  Truesdell. 

Kathie  rose.  A  grave,  rather  careworn  man,  not  much 
beyond  thirty,  but  looking  old  for  his  years,  yet  with  a  cer- 
tain scholarly  refinement  and  a  gentle,  almost  entreating 
strand  in  his  voice. 

The  moment  after  the  "  men"  came  up  from  the  barn, 
and  Mrs.  Strong  announced  supper,  —  a  generous  country 
supper,  with  a  table  that  would  not  have  shamed  more 
pretentious  people. 


80  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Mr.  Truesdell  and  Uncle  Robert  were  acquainted,  it 
seemed.  Mr.  Strong  and  James  were  delighted  to  see 
Kathie,  the  young  man  somewhat  shy  at  first.  It  certainly 
was  a  pleasant  supper,  and  Mr.  Truesdell  proved  himself 
very  companionable. 

There  was  a  bright  moon,  so  the  guests  did  not  hasten 
away  immediately.  Sarah  opened  the  melodeon  and  they 
sang  a  few  grand  old  hymns.  Some  strange  conscious- 
ness flashed  across  Kathie  as  they  stood  there,  and  it 
seemed  as  if  her  question  about  Sarah  was  answered. 

But  the}-  had  to  say  good  by  presently.  Kathie  promised 
to  come  again,  and  Sarah  was  to  have  a  whole  Saturday  at 
the  Palace  Beautiful,  as  she  called  it. 

"Well?"  said  Uncle  Robert  interrogatively,  when  they 
had  ridden  a  long  distance  in  silence. 

"  Uncle  Robert,  who  is  Mr.  Truesdell?  and  has  he  been 
longatMiddleville?" 

"  About  a  j'ear,  I  think.  He  is  an  earnest  worker,  for  all 
his  quiet  air,  and  a  widower  with  two  children." 

"  Oh  !  and  Sarah  will  go  to  the  very  place  she  is  so  well 
fitted  for.  Did  you  guess  or  know  —  " 

"  I  know  that  he  cares  a  great  deal  for  her,  but  Sarah  is 
hardly  conscious  of  its  meaning.  She  likes  him,  but  the 
cousin  being  there  blinds  her  a  little.  How  did  3-011  come 
to  see  such  a  thing?  I  did  not  know  your  eyes  were  so 
sharp." 

"  It  was  his  tone  when  he  spoke,  and  his  look.  I  am  so 
glad !  What  a  strange  thing  that  all  her  improvement 
should  tend  to  this  point!  And  she  is  such  a  sincere 
believer,  such  a  noble  worker,  I  feel  quite  shamed  beside 
her.  The  pupil  far  exceeds  the  desultorj'  teacher." 

"  I  think  it  will  be  an  excellent  marriage.  They  are  not 
the  people  to  hurry  Providence,  but  will  go  on  tranquilly 
until  some  day  when  her  eyes  will  see  the  truth  and  tender- 
ness awaiting  her.  But  remember,  Kitty,  that  you  have 
surprised  the  knowledge." 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  81 

"Oh,  I  could  never  hint  such  a  thing  to  her.  Do  not 
think  that  poorly  of  me,  But  you  know  "  —  and  he  under- 
stood the  kind  of  tender  amusement  in  her  voice  —  ' '  that 
I  have  been  in  the  midst  of  a  good  many  love  afSairs." 

"  Yes.  You  deserve  credit  for  the  judgment  evinced, 
and  I  know  you  will  not  fail  in  this." 

She  was  silent  for  a  long  time  again,  wondering,  in  an 
innocent,  young-girl  way,  how  this  great  mystery  would 
come  to  her,  —  if  ever  it  came  at  all. 


CHAPTER  VH. 

KATHIE  was  rather  quiet  and  thoughtful  after  her  visit 
to  Sarah  Strong.  Was  she  really  idling  away  too  much  of 
her  time?  She  could  take  up  some  study,  a  course  of  read- 
ing, or  an  accomplishment.  She  did  practise  her  music, 
she  was  very  fond  of  that ;  and  she  dropped  in  now  and 
then  among  the  old  friends  she  had  known,  who  were 
always  delighted  to  see  her.  The  Morrisons  were  still  at 
the  Lodge,  and  another  baby  had  been  added  to  the  group. 
She  used  to  talk  over  old  times  with  grandmother,  who 
was  still  hearty  and  cheery.  Far-away  Ethel  and  her 
father  were  doing  well ;  and,  though  she  realized  more 
truty  than  ever  that  she  had  outgrown  some  of  the  girls, 
there  was  no  need  of  any  abrupt  breaking  off.  As  Uncle 
Robert  said,  these  matters  settled  themselves. 

Mrs.  Alston  wanted  to  go  to  New  York,  and  her  brother 
proposed  that  they  should  take  a  real  holiday  with  Kathie, 
go  up  to  the  city  and  board  for  a  month  or  two,  shop  and 
see  pictures,  and  attend  some  operas,  as  there  were  sev- 
eral noted  singers  announced.  Hannah  would  look  after 
the  house  and  Fred,  and  Jane  would  be  glad  to  go  home 
for  a  few  weeks,  as  this  was  always  considered  a  great 
treat  by  the  Maybin  family. 

Kathie's  new  friends  were  in  despair. 

"  I  don't  believe  you  ever  mean  to  stay  at  home  !"  de- 
clared Eugene  Collamore.  "  Here  we  are  just  getting  in 
nice  train  for  in-door  amusements,  planning  a  series  of 
amateur  concerts  and  a  Shakespeare  reading  club,  and  now 
away  you  go." 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  83 

"  But  I  am  only  one." 

"  Every  one  counts,  especially  in  the  winter.  Girls, 
let  us  tr}r  to  persuade  her." 

There  was  such  a  very  evident  admiration  in  Eugene's 
glance  that  Kathie  colored  with  a  curious  sensation  not 
quite  comfortable. 

"  I  have  expended  all  my  eloquence  and  all  my  reasons," 
answered  Lou,  "  but  the  stubborn  fact  remains  ;  and  if  1 
had  so  good  an  opportunit}^  I  should  go.  Perhaps  we  will 
for  a  week,  Kathie  ;  would  n't  it  be  jolly  ?  " 

"  Oh  do  !  "  cried  Kathie. 

"Worse  and  worse.  You  set  a  bad  example,  Miss  Al- 
ston, and  stir  up  disaffection.  If  you  could  plead  duty  now, 
but  pure  pleasure  —  " 

"Let  us   seek   pleasure   while  we  may,"  carolled  Lou, 

gayiy- 

Eugene  walked  over  home  with  Kathie  ;  they,  too,  had  be- 
come great  friends. 

"  Eugene  is  regularly  smitten  with  Kathie  Alston,"  said 
Louise,  after  they  had  gone.  "  If  they  were  older,  one 
might  wish  —  " 

"  But  they  are  too  young  to  wish  about.  I  never  saw  a 
girl  so  innocent  of  love-making  or  marrying  as  she.  I 
don't  believe  it  ever  enters  her  mind." 

So  they  made  ready  and  went  to  the  city.  Mrs.  Mere- 
dith would  not  hear  of  their  staying  at  a  hotel.  She  was 
just  settled  in  her  lovely  new  house,  as  Mr  Meredith  de- 
cided that  now  they  might  safely  purchase.  It  was  but  a 
short  distance  from  the  Park,  and  in  a  very  select  neigh- 
borhood. The  furnishing  was  elegant  and  artistic,  and 
Mrs.  Edward  herself  a  stylish  and  fascinating  woman, 
with  her  Paris  culture  and  experience.  Her  sister-in-law 
was  amazed  and  a  trifle  envious.  Jessie  would  never  be 
a  purely  fashionable  leader,  —  but  one  clique  no  longer  ruled 
society :  it  was  the  thing  now  to  have  a  specialty ;  and 
Jessie  chose  hers  among  the  pleasures  she  really  enjoyed. 
Ada  was  glad  to  be  drawn  into  this  delightful  circle. 


84  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Kathie  declared  they  did  nothing  but  go  and  enjoy. 
Charlie  Darrell  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  his  sister's.  Dick 
Gra}-son  and  some  other  student  friends  found  a  cordial 
welcome,  and  Kathie  soon  had  a  train  of  admirers.  It 
troubled  her  mother  a  little  at  first. 

"  We  shall  not  alwa}'s  be  able  to  keep  her  a  child,"  said 
Uncle  Robert,  smilingly :  ' '  young  men  will  discover  her 
charms." 

' '  But  I  should  be  sorry  to  see  her  flirting  or  making  a 
bid  for  admiration." 

"  She  has  little  need  for  that.  And  you  know,  Dora, 
she  has  been  brought  up  with  boys,  as  one  may  say,  and 
is  in  a  certain  way  used  to  their  attentions.  Think  how 
Mr.  Meredith  and  Mr.  Langdon  treated  her  two  or  three 
years  ago,  and  she  never  overstepped  the  bounds  of  child- 
ish pleasure.  We  will  not  trouble  her  with  cautions  until 
we  see  her  on  the  verge  of  dangerous  paths.  There  is 
nothing  so  lovely  as  the  entire  innocence  of  a  young  girl." 

"If  young  men  do  not  mistake  it.  The  most  finished 
coquettes  of  the  day  assume  it  as  their  strongest  ally." 

"  There  are  no  counterfeits  on  base  metals,"  said 
Uncle  Robert,  with  a  pleasant  laugh. 

Dr.  Markham  had  not  lost  his  olden  fondness  for  his 
favorite.  She  took  rides  with  him,  and  they  had  long 
talks  about  Ada. 

"  She  has  awakened  to  the  true  sense  of  living,"  said 
the  doctor,  ' '  but  she  is  grasping  at  too  much.  A  man 
does  n't  expect  to  master  all  the  knowledge  of  a  lifetime 
in  a  few  years.  You  have  to  try  things,  to  sift  and  win- 
now, to  hold  fast  of  some  truths  not  altogether  palatable, 
to  let  others  go  that  may  be  charming,  but  have  no  real 
place  in  your  manner  of  life.  It  is  the  fitness  that  makes 
symmetrical  characters,  not  the  many  bits  of  knowledge 
pieced  on.  Some  time  I  think  she  will  get  things  un- 
tangled, and  realize  that  of  this  great  mystery,  life,  we 
can  only  have  one  small  piece  here.  But  she  is  making  a 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.         ,  85 

better  woman  than  I  ever  fancied  she  would.  After  all,  I 
think  it  takes  love  and  mothering  to  make  true  girls  and 
women,  —  and  heaven  knows  she  had  little  enough  of 
that." 

"And  I  had  so  much,"  said  Kathie,  with  a  thrill  of 
strange,  secret  joy. 

Beside  the  operas  and  dinner  parties,  Kathie  went  to 
some  quite  ga}r  entertainments,  where  she  danced  to  her 
heart's  content.  Weeks  flew  by  rapidly.  Gen.  Mackenzie 
was  up  once  on  business,  armed  with  entreaties  that  Mrs. 
Alston  and  Kathie  would  spend  the  remainder  of  the  win- 
ter in  Washington. 

"Well,  why  should  you  not?"  asked  Uncle  Robert. 
"  There  is  really  nothing  to  confine  you  at  home,  and  you 
are  not  so  old  as  to  have  lost  all  zest  for  society.  Ruth 
would  be  delighted,  I  know,  and  Kathie  would  have  a 
glimpse  of  the  most  important  men  and  women  of  her  own 
country.  Congress  will  be  in  session ;  and  so  many  ce- 
lebrities seek  Washington  in  the  winter  to  see  and  be 
seen." 

Kathie  was  enchanted  with  the  idea,  and  so  the  elders 
laid  their  plans  accordingly.  The  Collamores  were  to 
come  up  and  keep  Christmas  with  some  cousins,  and  they 
hoped  Kathie  would  stay.  There  was  shopping  and  dress- 
making, and  no  diminution  of  enjoyments.  Kathie  was 
the  same  favorite  here  that  she  had  been  in  childhood. 

"  I  will  tell  you  what  I  want  to  do  Christmas  morning, 
Uncle  Robert,"  she  said,  her  eyes  softened  with  emotion. 
"  Let  us  go  to  some  quiet  church  for  morning  service.  I 
want  to  think  of  the  winter  when  I  was  here  with  Aunt 
Ruth,  while  she  was  being  cured.  It  was  so  hard  to  stay 
away  from  you  all,  and  somehow  she  and  I  both  fell  into 
the  Slough  of  Despond,  I  believe  "  ;  and  a  soft,  sad  smile 
played  over  her  face  at  the  remembrance.  "  But  Christ- 
mas morning  brought  great  joy  to  our  souls,  and  I  would 
like  to  keep  the  feast  reverently,  thanking  God  for  all  the 
blessings." 


86  WHOM   KATHTE   MARRIED. 

It  surprised  all  her  friends  that  Kathie  resisted  the  grand 
music  and  elaborate  decorations  of  the  great  churches,  and 
went  off  with  Uncle  Robert  to  a  plain  church  to  celebrate  her 
festival.  They  could  not  understand  what  it  was  to  her, 
but  Uncle  Robert  knew  by  that  how  little  the  child's 
heart  had  changed,  that  under  all  the  lightness  there 
were  deep  soundings  to  be  touched  by  the  greater  hand, 
and  to  answer  in  kind. 

Eugene  Collamore  came  up  Christmas  eve  to  stay  over 
Sunday  with  his  sisters,  who  were  already  very  much  at 
home  at  Mrs.  Meredith's,  and  having  no  end  of  enjoyment 
with  the  young  College  Clan,  as  Lou  called  it.  They  were 
nice,  jolly  fellows,  and  Eugene  had  enjoyed  Charlie  and 
Dick  wonderfully  the  summer  before ;  but  he  soon  made 
the  discovery  that  he  had  not  come  to  see  the  boys,  and  as 
for  Kathie,  one  could  never  get  near  her  any  more.  When 
she  was  talking  and  laughing  with  Dick  Grayson  he  was 
very  sure  she  liked  him  best,  and  when  Sunday  evening 
they  were  all  singing  hymns,  as  Charlie  played  on  the  organ, 
there  came  .a  rapt,  heavenl}*  look  in  their  faces  that 
seemed  to  make  them  so  of  one  kin,  of  one  mind,  that 
Eugene  turned  sorrowfully  away  with  a  pang  he  could  not 
fathom,  something  beyond  boyish  perception,  yet  very 
real  and  keen. 

How  often  they  said,  "If  Rob  were  here;  if  Bruce 
were  here,"  and  called  up  old  and  fond  memories.  Kathie 
wrote  to  them  both,  but  she  felt  that  letters  were  a  poor 
substitute  for  this  delight. 

Mrs.  Alston  went  home  for  a  week,  and  then  the  party 
started  for  Washington,  where  Aunt  Ruth  received  them 
with  unalloyed  gladness.  Kathie  recalled  her  first  visit  to 
Washington,  but  oh,  how  different  everything  was  now! 
Aunt  Ruth  was  the  centre,  one  might  say,  of  a  very  charm- 
ing circle.  Her  husband's  position,  her  own  culture  and 
recent  travel,  and  perhaps  the  indescribable  charm  that 
goes  by  the  name  of  fascination,  filled  her  rooms  with  choice 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  87 

friends.  She  still  looked  very  young,  and  her  slight  lame- 
ness seemed  to  give  a  touch  of  romance,  an  excuse  for  her 
husband's  devotion. 

Mrs.  Alston  awoke  to  a  peculiar  interest  in  it  all.  The 
war  had  not  quite  dropped  out  of  everybody's  mind,  for 
the  heroes  were  still  honored,  some  of  them  showing  scars 
or  betraying  the  loss  of  a  limb  ;  and  with  it  had  developed 
a  wider  national  life  ;  denizens  of  other  countries  came  to 
Washington  to  study  and  observe,  and  foreign  ministers 
and  their  families  added  a  piquant  charm. 

"  It  is  almost  like  being  abroad  again,"  said  Kathie. 

There  was  this  difference,  she  was  regularly  in  society 
now.  Young  people  were  not  long  in  finding  her  out. 
Her  freshness  and  zest,  her  sunny  temper  and  generous 
disposition,  made  her  a  favorite.  Invitations  piled  up  on 
her  little  table,  and  it  was  quite  impossible  to  attend  to 
them  all.  Uncle  Robert  was  oftenest  her  escort ;  indeed, 
he  seemed  never  to  tire  of  taking  her  about  and  showing 
her  the  things  she  hardly  dreamed  of  in  her  former  visit. 
They  attended  congressional  debates,  and  her  bright  face 
and  interested  air  caught  more  than  one  eye  as  she  looked 
and  listened. 

Of  parties,  dinners,  dances,  and  drives  she  had  a  full 
share.  Sometimes  her  mother  became  anxious  lest  she 
should  injure  her  health  or  run  into  some  danger.  She  was 
forced  to  admit  that  her  little  Kathie  was  a  very  attractive 
girl. 

Perhaps  it  was  the  fact  that  Kathie  had  grown  accus- 
tomed to  a  certain  degree  of  approval  from  her  boyish 
friends  as  well  as  the  elders  that  led  her  to  accept  atten- 
tions with  a  winning  grace  quite  removed  from  coquetry. 
Young  men  observed  that  much  sentiment  or  blandishment 
was  lost  upon  her.  She  often  checked  a  fulsome  compli- 
ment by  merely  raising  her  eyes  to  the  speaker  ;  and  she  kept 
her  delicate  manner  of  reserve  about  her  like  a  fine  foil. 
It  was  with  her  the  simplest  truth  and  honesty. 


88  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

On  their  return  they  made  a  short  stay  in  Baltimore  and 
in  Philadelphia.  It  was  quite  a  disappointment  to  Kathie 
that  Bruce  had  not  been  able  to  make  a  flying  trip  to  Wash- 
ington, but  he  consoled  her  with  the  thought  that  he  might 
spend  a  few  weeks  during  the  summer  at  Cedarwood,  which 
would  be  ever  so  much  pleasanter.  While  they  were  in 
New  York,  Uncle  Robert  took  a  brief  journey  to  Chicago, 
and  found  his  nephew  and  namesake  giving  entire  satisfac- 
tion in  his  position. 

Some  great  change  had  certainly  come  over  gay,  laugh- 
ing, fun-loving  Rob  Alston.  He  looked  older,  with  a 
settled,  determined  expression,  as  if  he  had  already  begun 
to  fight  his  battle  of  life  and  did  not  mean  to  be  worsted. 
He  explained  to  Uncle  Robert  that  he  was  living  very 
quietly  in  the  suburbs,  but  the  two  nights  he  spent  with 
him  at  a  hotel. 

"  Rob,"  his  uncle  said,  "  I  do  not  like  to  see  you  taking 
life  quite  so  hard,  giving  up  the  useful  and  innocent  pleas- 
ures. There  is  only  one  youth  after  all,  and  if  it  is  spent 
with  a  wise  economy  you  lay  up  pleasant  remembrances 
for  middle  life.  Money  is  not  quite  all,  my  boy." 

"  I  have  been  a  good  deal  engrossed  mastering  the  in- 
tricacies of  business.  The  other  will  all  come  in  time." 
And  he  gave  a  kind  of  half-smile,  that  seemed  to  lack 
heart 

"  You  are  going  on  very  fast,  Mr.  Far  well  informs  me, 
and  have  learned  more  rapidly  than  any  one  he  has  had. 
It  is  high  praise,  Rob,  but  you  must  not  neglect  health,  and 
some  of  the  attainments  acquired  in  the  past.  I  think  3rou 
do  show  your  close  confinement." 

"Then  I  must  take  a  course  at  a  gymnasium,  and  the 
fresh  spriug  air  will  soon  tone  me  up.  You  are  very  good 
to  me,  Uncle  Robert,  but  you  need  not  be  afraid  of  a  great 
strong  fellow  like  me  working  too  hard." 

It  was  a  satisfactory  visit  in  all  respects  save  one.  Was 
there  not  something  kept  back,  some  secret  or  perplexity  ? 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  89 

All  he  could  think  of  that  seemed  probable  was  that  Rob 
had  contracted  a  debt  in  the  past  and  was  working  out  of 
it  himself,  as  a  penance  and  a  punishment.  If  so,  it  was 
brave  and  manly,  and  he  would  not  interfere  with  the  work 
of  conscience.  Yet  it  pained  Uncle  Robert  to  leave  him 
toiling  on  alone,  away  from  old  friends,  and  making  no 
new  ones  ;  it  seemed  unnatural  for  youth. 

It  was  really  delightful  to  get  home  once  more  and  set- 
tle, Kathie  thought. 

"Now,  mamma,"  she  declared,  "we  will  not  have  any 
journeyings  or  wanderings  about  in  strange  places,  but  just 
a  little  bit  of  home  life  and  home  people.  It  will  take  me 
ever  so  long  to  get  my  mind  untangled,  and  know  what  of 
the  past  I  want  to  keep  and  what  I  shall  throw  away, 
dismiss  and  forget.". 

' '  Then  you  think  there  will  be  some  j'ou  shall  not  care 
to  retain?  "  And  her  mother  smiled.  "  It  is  a  good  thing 
to  have  a  weeding-out  process  now  and  then." 

The  house  was  to  be  cleaned,  the  garden  put  in  order, 
and  taking  up  her  old  interests  engrossed  Mrs.  Alston  con- 
siderably. Kathie  carolled  about  the  place,  joyous  as  a 
bird,  her  smile  as  bright  as  when  in  the  midst  of  gayety. 
Clearly  she  had  not  yet  been  spoiled. 

She  stood  by  the  open  window  one  morning  early  in 
May.  Oh,  how  fresh  and  fragrant  it  was  with  all  this 
dewy  sweetness !  Birds  were  singing  and  darting  hither 
and  thither.  Yonder  a  hen  was  clucking  to  her  brood  of 
downy  chicks,  and  the  ducks  were  swimming  about  in  the 
lake.  How  wide  and  inspiriting  after  the  narrow  in-doors 
of  pleasure ! 

Uncle  Robert  was  sauntering  slowly  through  the  walks, 
surveying  some  improvements.  The  young  girl  tied  back 
her  beautiful  flowing  locks  andTan  down  to  tim. 

' '  Upon  my  word,  Miss  Kathie  ! "  And  there  was  a  merry 
twinkle  of  affected  surprise  in  his  eye. 

"  You  did  not  think  I  would  be  able  to  rise  with  Mie  lark 


90  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

after  a  winter  of  dissipation,  did  you?  "  she  asked,  with  be- 
witching archness. 

"  Why,  the  lark  has  been  up  to  heaven's  gate  and  come 
back  to  her  breakfast,"  he  made  answer,  humorously. 

"  I  have  been  almost  up  to  heaven's  gate,  too"  ;  and  a 
sweet  seriousness  overspread  her  face.  "  I  was  glancing 
out  over  to  the  mountain, — bill  I  suppose  we  ought  to 
say  now,  —  and  all  the  glory  of  the  scene,  the  peace  and 
brooding  tenderness,  filled  me  with  gratitude.  I  have 
seen  so  much,  Uncle  Robert,  and  yet  nothing  seems  bet- 
ter to  me  than  Cedarwood,  though  many  things  are 
grander." 

"  My  little  girl,  I  am  glad,  yes,  thankful,  that  3*ou  can 
enjoy  it  thus  heartily.  It  seems  to  me,  a  true  appreciation 
of  what  is  lofty  and  great  ought  never,  would  never,  I 
should  say,  lead  one  to  despise  smaller  phases  of  beauty 
and  excellence." 

"1  should  n't  want  to  dwell  among  the  Alps,"  Kathie 
said  slowly :  ' '  they  chill  me  and  leave  a  kind  of  awe- 
some admiration.  I  do  not  think  either  that  I  would  care 
to  live  at  Rome,  among  ruins  and  old  palaces  and  pictures  ; 
yet  I  am  very  glad  to  have  seen  it  all,  and  now  I  am  con- 
tent and  happy  to  be  here  and  watch  these  lovely  pictures 
that  grow  nearer  perfection  daily." 

4k^o  your  winter's  dissipation  has  not  spoiled  you?  " 

She  laughed  brightly. 

"  I  do  suppose  you  sometimes  thought  I  might  dance 
away  my  senses.  It  was  lovely,  Uncle  Robert,  enchant- 
ing." And  she  gave  a  graceful  pirouette  on  the  gravel  walk. 
"Am  I  queer  and  changeable?  But  it  is  so  delightful  to 
be  alive,  to  enjoy  everything.  How  would  it  feel,  I  wonder, 
to  be  languid  and  bored,  and  have  no  emotions  !  " 

' '  O  Miss  Alston ! "  exclaimed  a  fresh,  }7oung  voice ; 
and  Eugene  Collamore  reigned  his  horse  up  to  the  hedge. 
"Must  I  wish  you  joy,  or  shall  you  wish  me ?  It 's  such  a 
rare  delight  to  see  you.  And  I  have  stolen  a  march  on  the 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  91 

girls.     They  were  talking  of  you  last  night  and  will  call 
to-day." 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  them."  And  though  the  words 
were  simply  uttered,  the  earnest  eyes  she  raised  gave 
them  meaning. 

How  beautiful  she  was,  he  thought,  standing  there 
In  the  sunshine,  the  wind  blowing  lightly  among  her 
curls,  stirring  them  so  softly  they  looked  like  a  shower 
of  gold. 

"  You  have  had  a  grand  time  at  Washington,  among  the 
magnates  and  great  people  and  everybody.  I  wonder  if 
we  shall  not  seem  just  a  little  commonplace,  uninterest- 
ing?" 

"  Why  should  you  not  make  }*ourself  interesting  ?  "  And 
she  glanced  up  archly.  "  You  must  not  allow  me  to  pine 
and  waste  away  with  ennui. 

"  O  Miss  Kathie,  I  don't  believe  you  know  what  ennui 
is!" 

She  surety  did  not  look  as  if  it  had  depressed  her  seri- 
ously. He  glanced  her  all  over  in  a  quick  eager  fashiont 
even  to  the  dainty  feet  that  still  seemed  to  take  dancing 
steps  on  the  gravel  walk. 

' '  No,  I  do  not  believe  I  ever  suffered  from  it.  I  think  it 
would  be  extremely  ungrateful  in  me.  What  a  pretty 
pony  !  Do  you  ride  much  ?  " 

"  Now  and  then  of  a  morning.  Fred  and  I  have  been 
taking  constitutionals,"  with  a  laugh.  "  What  a  queer, 
old-fashioned  chap  he  is  !  O  Miss  Kathie,  if  you  would 
go  out  some  time  !  Wouldn't  you  trust  her  to  go  with  me, 
Mr.  Conover  ?  " 

"  Oh,  he  trusts  me  to  ride  alone,"  cried  Kathie,  wifh 
innocent  grace  ;  "  but  I  like  better  to  have  company." 

"Will  you  go  to-morrow,  then?  The  girls  nearly 
always  drive  in  the  afternoon." 

"  I  could  —  "     And  she  glanced  at  Uncle  Robert. 

"  Of  course,"  he  said,  consenting  rather  against  his  will. 


?2  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  You  must  take  good  care  of  her." 

Eugene  promised  in  a  delighted  tone,  and  presently 
rode  slowly  away. 

Was  it  best  to  utter  some  little  word  of  warning  ?  What 
could  he  say  to  his  darling,  with  her  fresh,  pure  heart,  that 
would  not  somehow  shadow  it? 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

KATHIE  declared  she  meant  to  begin  living  in  real  earnest, 
and  practised  her  music  for  an  hour,  then  read  with  Uncle 
Robert. 

"  But  it  seems  all  for  myself,"  she  said.  "  Ought  it  not 
be  something  wider  and  better  ?  Why,  I  used  to  be  such 
a  bus}'  little  girl !  " 

"  I  think  you  will  find  your  hands  full  presently." 

Indeed,  just  after  luncheon,  Mrs.  Alston  asked  her  to 
attend  to  some  kindly  errand  for  her,  and  when  she  re- 
turned Fay  and  Louise  Collamore  had  come  ;  so  the  girls 
had  a  chatty  and  delightful  time,  talking  over  all  the  hap- 
piness. They  were  very  glad  to  get  Kathie  back  again, 
and  before  their  visit  had  ended,  Georgie  Halford  came  to 
insist  that  she  should  join  the  archery  club. 

No,  the  days  were  not  likely  to  hang  heavily  on  her 
hands.  Eugene  Collamore  began  to  haunt  her  like  a 
shadow.  Their  cousins  came  from  the  city  for  a  fortnight, 
and  there  were  teas,  and  discussions  on  needle- work  and 
painting  and  music. 

"  If  one  could  only  tell  just  how  much  of  one's  life  ought 
to  be  given  to  these  pleasures,"  Kathie  said  to  her  mother. 
"  It  is  so  lovely  to  be  flitting  from  one  thing  to  another 
like  a  butterfly,  enjoying  all,  and  tiring  of  none.  Do  I 
waste  my  time,  mamma?" 

"  My  dear,  there  is  a  season  of  enjoyment  as  well  as 
study  and  work.  I  think  your  mission  just  now  is  to  make 
us  all  happy  ;  and  you  do  that." 

"  Thaiik  you,"  with  a  fond  kiss. 

. 


94  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Then  the  invitations  for  Lucy  Gardiner's  marriage  were 
sent  out.  It  was  to  be  in  church.  Harry  Cox  had  a  very 
nice  position  in  one  of  the  mills,  and  they  were  to  have 
their  house  furnished  and  ready  for  living  when  they  came 
back  from  their  wedding  journey.  Kathie  went  over  it 
with  Lucy,  and  pleased  the  young  girl  by  her  ready  admi- 
ration. It  was  neat  and  pretty,  some  of  the  furnishing 
Lucy's  own  handiwork. 

"  Kathie,"  she  said,  when  they  had  inspected  everything, 
"it  is  so  nice  not  to  have  you  proud  and  over-critical. 
You  have  seen  so  many  beautiful  and  costly  articles,  and 
you  can  have  almost  anything  yourself;  and  if  you  were 
going  to  be  married  there  would  be  such  a  time." 

' '  How  odd  to  think  of  my  being  married  !  "  And  Kathie 
gave  a  wondering,  incredulous  smile.  "  I  don't  know 
after  all,  it  is  such  a  sacred,  solemn  kind  of  step,  that  it 
seems  as  if  one  ought  to  be  grave  and  serious,  and  not 
think  only  of  handsome  attire  or  rich  gifts." 

"Well,  you  will  have  them  all  yourself,  no  doubt;  but 
it  is  lovely  in  you  to  praise  mine.  You  see  Harry  and  I 
are  not  —  not  —  "  and  Lucy  flushed.  "  What  I  mean  is,  that 
we  shall  never  be  rich  or  grand,  but  we  can  be  just  as 
happy.  And  you  will  have  plenty  of  other  friends  ;  but 
you  won't  let  them  crowd  me  quite  out.  We  used  to  have 
such  a  good  time  at  school,  playing  and  studying  ;  and  you 
were  so  kind  to  us  all  when  you  first  had  your  pretty  pony 
carriage  ;  and  what  lovely,  lovely  times  we  had  at  Cedar- 
wood  playing  croquet  and  rowing  on  the  lake.  But  so  many 
new  people  have  come  in,  —  girls  that  I  shall  never  know 
enough  about  to  feel  at  home  with,  even  if  they  cared  for 
me,  —  and,  Kathie,  don't  you  think  it  best  to  be  happy  in 
one's  own  way?  I  really  don't  care  for  things  that  I  can't 
enjoy,  — well,  like  Italian  songs,  for  instance.  I  would  so 
much  rather  listen  to  a  pretty  English  ballad.  And  I  don't 
know  much  about  pictures  or  wonderful  poems  ;  I  am  quite 
sure  I  could  n't  understand  them  :  so  I  think  it  is  best  to 
keep  to  things  I  do  understand." 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  95 

**  O  Lucy,  it  is  so  much  wiser  and  more  sensible  ! "  And 
it  seemed  as  if  all  of  Kathie's  old  regard  for  her  friend 
came  back.  "  I  do  think  people  often  make  themselves 
miserable  in  striving  to  be  something  they  do  not  really 
enjoy.  I  am  glad  you  are  brave  enough  not  to  attempt 
it." 

"  Hany  and  I  mean  to  be  real  happy  in  a  plain  way,  and 
you  must  drop  in  and  see  us,  and  come  to  tea ;  for  I 
think  you  will  never  quite  forget  the  old  times." 

"  Indeed  I  shall  not,"  said  Kathie  warmly. 

She  talked  the  call  over  with  her  mother  afterward. 

"  Lucy  certainly  has  the  right  view  of  common-sense  en- 
joyment," Mrs.  Alston  made  answer.  "  I  think  many  of 
the  young  girls  of  to-day  do  make  themselves  useless  and 
miserable  by  attempting  the  things  they  cannot  achieve  ; 
for  the  one  grand  life  there  are  so  many  plain,  every-day 
ones,  that  require  household  virtures  instead  of  accomplish- 
ments. If  one  brings  out  his  best,  that  is  the  true  aim, 
and  an  excellence  much  to  be  preferred  to  any  second-rate 
work." 

So  Lucy's  marriage  passed  off  very  nicely,  and  the  young 
couple  came  home  bright  and  happy  and  began  their  new 
life  with  as  much  satisfaction,  perhaps  more,  than  many  in 
a  broader  sphere. 

It  seemed  to  Kathie  that  she  lived  almost  entirely  in  the 
lives  of  her  friends.  Perhaps  it  was  the  result  of  the  les- 
sons she  had  learned  in  childhood,  —  the  continual  outgiv- 
ing of  herself  and  the  best  she  had.  Her  interests  were 
widespread.  Every  one  claimed  her.  Fay  Collamore  and 
Georgie  Halford,  dissimilar  as  they  were,  insisted  upon  her 
bringing  to  each  a  fond  and  warm  sympathy. 

Then  Sarah  Strong  came  down  for  a  Saturday.  Some  let- 
ters had  passed  between  them  while  Kathie  was  in  Wash- 
ington ;  but  Sarah  evinced  a  high  delicacy  in  regard  to 
Kathie.  She  was  confidential  in  many  things,  and  yet 
never  dependent.  Her  trenchant  sentences  often  brought 


96  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

to  Kathie  a  kind  of  breezy  freshness,  as  of  clear  mountain 
air.  They  nc-ver  tired  or  depressed. 

She  wondered  a  little  if  the  romance  had  gone  on  to 
fruition.  Sarah  seldom  made  any  allusion  to  Mr.  Trues- 
dell,  and  then  in  the  most  ordinar}'  way. 

She  was  fresh  and  bright  this  morning  as  she  greeted 
Kathie.  Her  clear  eyes  had  a  curiously  limpid  look,  and 
a  little  something  about  her  was  changed.  Kathie  guessed, 
but  held  her  peace. 

"We  are  to  have  a  nice,  long  day  to  ourselves,"  the 
young  hostess  said,  as  she  led  her  up-stairs.  "  I  have  an- 
nounced on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left  that  I  am 
engaged." 

"  How  good  you  are  to  give  up  all  other  plans  and 
friends  for  me  !"  And  Sarah  turned  toward  her  with  an 
appreciative  smile. 

"  There  is  n't  much  virtue  in  it  when  you  are  really  in- 
terested yourself,"  answered  Kathie. 

"  Sometimes  it  quite  puzzles  me"  —  and  a  dreamy  look 
filled  Sarah's  eyes — "how  it  is  that  you  can  care,  that 
others  care."  And  a  softened  inflection  marked  the  words. 
"  If  I  could  give  you  back  a  tithe  of  the  pleasure  you  have 
given  me." 

"  You  have  given  me  back  an  interest.  One  does  tire 
of  pure  pleasures  sometimes.  I  did  last  winter.  I  was 
really  glad  to  get  away  from  the  gayeties,  the  round  that 
never  leads  anywhere.  And  yet  I  enjoyed  it.  I  really 
am  afraid  sometimes  of  growing  quite  frivolous ;  but  it 
has  n't  taken  away  my  appetite  for  solid  food.  When  it 
does  I  shall  have  to  turn  over  a  new  leaf." 

She  looked  so  bright  and  enchanting  that  she  seemed  to 
Sarah,  as  she  had  more  than  once  before,  a  denizen  of  a 
different  world.  Something  beside  wealth  and  culture  had 
given  her  this.  What  was  it?  The  glad  heartsomeness 
that  she  put  into  everything,  the  truth  that  seemed  better 
for  being  uttered  in  such  a  winsome  voice. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  97 

"I  should  like  to  go  to  "Washington  just  once,"  Sarah 
began  slowly.  "  Not  for  balls  or  parties,  but  to  see  the 
capital  of  the  nation,  and  the  men  who  make  and  obey 
her  laws,  the  foreign  ministers  who  come  to  us  from  other 
great  countries.  Did  you  ever  think  that  seems  our  widest 
and  greatest  life?  Then  comes  the  State  centre,  then  the 
family,  and  it  reaches  out  to  every  one  ;  we  all  have  a  part 
in  it,  and  it  belongs  to  us  just  as  truly  as  our  own  lives.  I 
don't  understand  how  people  can  become  indifferent ;  and  yet 
nations  do.  and  let  themselves  drop  into  decay.  Individ- 
uals do,  as  well.  Little  towns  and  hamlets  seem  to  go  to 
sleep,  and  the  slumber  is  dangerous.  It  is  the  old  story  of 
the  enchanted  lands,  and  the  lotus-eaters  crying,  '  Let 
us  alone.'  " 

"I  think  you  could  rouse  some  of  them,  the  near-by 
ones,"  said  Kathie.  "  You  make  me  feel  as  if  I  had  been 
laz}-  and  careless." 

"  No  one  will  accuse  you"  ;  and  Sarah  colored  a  little. 
"  I  think  you  have  roused  a  great  many,  and  what  is  bet- 
ter, you  reach  out  your  hand  to  lead  them  over  rough 
places.  So  many  of  them  are  like  me,  wandering  about 
unguided,  and  needing  to  be  put  in  the  right  way.  But  oh, 
there  are  so  many  things  to  see  and  to  hear  that  I  must 
not  keep  the  floor,  and  dream  aloud  ! " 

Kathie  thought  how  Bruce  would  enjoy  a  stirring  talk 
with  Sarah.  He  seemed  always  to  be  the  one  she  wanted 
to  share  such  things  with. 

"  And  now,"  the  visitor  said,  quietly,  "  I  want  to  see  the 
pictures  and  go  on  the  journey  with  you.  We  did  not 
finish  last  time,  you  remember,  and  that  is  six  months 
ago." 

"  Then  we  shall  have  to  go  to  the  library."  And  Kathie 
led  the  way. 

Uncle  Robert  had  arranged  the  photopraphs  and  engrav- 
ings in  portfolios,  and  the  girls  could  sit  at  their  ease 
and  turn  them  over  as  they  stood  on  the  low  easel.  The 

7 


98  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

IibrarjT  had  taken  on  a  deeper  tone.  It  seemed  to  Katlrie 
that  everything  had  changed  with  her  growth  and  develop- 
ment. 

Their  first  journey  with  the  pictures  had  been  in  Paris 
»nd  Rome.  They  went  through  Kathie's  Russian  expe- 
rience now,  until  luncheon  was  announced.  Afterward 
they  took  up  Scotland  ;  and  here  Kathie  was  vivid  and  en- 
thusiastic. 

The  day  grew  warmer  and  lovelier. 

"  "We  ought  to  go  out  and  enjoy  it,"  Kathie  said,  pres- 
ently. "  Let  us  save  the  others  for  the  next  visit,  then 
yoa  will  be  sure  to  come  again." 

"  I  shall  want  to  come  again,  often :  it  is  like  a  bit  of 
fairy-land  here  ;  but  I  would  like  a  walk  down  around  the 
lake.  Do  you  ever  go  out  rowing  now?  " 

"  Not  so  much,"  returned  Kathie.  "  You  see  the  boys 
are  grown  up  and  busy  or  away,  and  there  seem  new  pleas- 
ures. It  is  archery  and  lawn- tennis  now  ;  and  I  have  a  friend 
who  is  fond  of  painting,  so  we  go  out  together  sketch- 
ing and  studying  up  nature.  Now  and  then  Uncle  Robert 
takes  a  row  for  exercise.  How  bright  and  happy  it  was  ! " 

They  turned  into  a  half-shady  path.  The  sunshine  glim- 
mered through  the  young  leaves  and  sifted  golden  grains 
upon  the  ground  until  it  seemed  to  quiver,  a  shining  mass. 
The  air  was  sweet  with  manifold  blossoming,  and  the  soft 
fragrance  of  a  ripened  spring,  more  delicate  and  fine  than 
that  of  summer  before  the  stronger  and  richer  scents  are 
blended. 

Sarah  put  her  arm  around  Kathie's  slender  figure  and 
drew  her  nearer  with  a  little  pressure.  She  was  hardly  as 
tall,  but  her  ample  figure  gave  her  a  more  matronly  air. 

"  I  ought  to  tell  you  something,"  she  began,  presently. 
"I  want  to  tell  you  first  of  all,  for  it  has  come  partly 
through  you  ;  that  is,  I  should  not  have  been  fitted  for  it, 
and  it  would  have  passed  me  by.  And  it  seems  so  strange 
to  have  a  great  and  blessed  thing  come  into  your  life,  when 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  99 

you  realize  how  easily  you  might  have  missed  it,  and  gone 
hungering  for  something  all  your  days,  without  ever  being 
able  to  tell  just  what  it  was." 

There  was  the  faint  tremulousness  of  deep  emotion  in 
Sarah's  voice. 

"You  did  not  think  —  but  how  could  you?  —  that  —  " 
Then  her  tone  swelled  to  a  certain  joyfulness.  "  Kathie, 
some  one  loves  me,  has  chosen  me,  and  will  set  me  in  a 
blessed  place.  It  seems  so  strange,  unreal." 

"  Mr.  Truesdell,"  said  Kathie,  softly. 

' '  Oh  !  did  it  appear  so  back  to  that  little  visit  when  you 
saw  him  ?  I  never  dreamed  —  how  could  I  ?  —  that  any 
one  would  ask  me  to  share  such  a  life.  I  don't  think  I 
ever  looked  on  marriage  as  a  thing  for  myself.  I  liked 
teaching,  and  it  seemed  quite  reasonable  to  fancy  that  I 
should  some  time  get  into  a  larger  sphere,  go  "Westward, 
perhaps,  and  devote  my  whole  life  to  the  work.  I  used  to 
talk  it  over  with  Mr.  Truesdell.  He  was  like  you :  he 
could  understand  and  appreciate  needs  and  desires ;  and 
so  we  grew  to  be  friends.  He  did  not  come  very  often, 
but  he  used  to  stop  at  school  now  and  then  ;  and  we  took 
to  reading  the  same  authors.  He  sent  me  books,  too  ;  and 
he  is  fond  of  the  same  kind  of  music,  —  the  strong  and 
restful.  There  is  nothing  weak  about  him,  Kathie,  though 
he  seems  so  grave  and  quiet." 

"  O  Sarah !  I  am  so  glad  for  you !  "  And  Kathie  kissed 
her  fondly. 

"What  led  you  to  imagine?  It  surprises  me,  for  it 
was  only  a  month  ago  that  he  spoke." 

"  I  do  not  quite  know.  I  think  Uncle  Robert  helped. 
Something  in  Mr.  Truesdell :  a  man  shows  it  occasion- 
ally ;  and  perhaps  men  understand  quicker,  at  least  about 
each  other.  And  you  love  him  ?"  Kathie  asked,  with  a  kind 
of  awesome  timidity.  She  had  never  fallen  into  the  habit  of 
discussing  love  with  other  girls,  trying  on  all  its  emotions 
beforehand ;  yet  there  was  a  delicate  curiosity  prompting 
her  noMt 


200  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  I  don't  dare  to  say  all  that  just  now,"  Sarah  returned, 
reverently.  "  Can  any  one  tell  all  about  it  at  once?  I  am 
in  a  strange  state  of  content,  and  ask  myself  whether  I 
can,  whether  I  dare,  take  the  life.  To  be  a  mother  to  two 
children,  — and  yet  I  love  children  so,  and  his  are  sweet, 
shy  little  things.  Then  that  larger  life  with  its  duties,  — 
can  I  have  something  to  give  to  that,  and  to  him,  out  of 
my  own  small  daily  resources  ?  Yet  I  feel  that  I  would 
rather  be  with  him,  if  it  were  a  desert  or  a  lonely  island,  or 
in  trouble  and  toil,  than  take  anything  else,  if  I  can  be 
found  worthy." 

"  It  is  the  life  for  you,"  Kathie  returned  earnestly ; 
"  and  yet  you  might  choose  an  easier  one." 

"  Do  you  think  so?  I  wish  there  was  something  to 
give  up  for  his  sake.  It  seems  such  a  large  awaiting, 
such  a  daily  reward  for  the  work,  as  if  he  had  so  much  for 
me,  and  I  not  enough  for  him.  Can  we  live  in  earnest, 
and  accomplish  some  heavenly  work,  —  cheer  the  wearj", 
fainting  souls,  lift  others  out  of  tangled  paths  and  set 
their  feet  in  a  large  place  ?  I  keep  thinking  it  over.  And 
you  believe,  Kathie,  that  I  should  be  justified  in  taking  it?  " 

A  country  minister's  life,  —  there  would  have  seemed 
nothing  very  large  or  grand  in  it  to  some  girls  ;  but  Sarah 
was  not  looking  at  the  food  and  raiment,  nor  the  small 
daily  round,  —  it  was  the  higher  life,  the  communion  of 
saints,  the  nearness  to  God  in  this  work,  that  glorified  it 
for  her ;  just  as  her  single-hearted  faith  had  glorified  the 
work  she  had  done  thus  far. 

"  Justified !  If  he  loves  you  and  you  love  him,  ought 
anything  to  separate?  And  why  should  you  not  work 
together,  when  both  are  laboring  for  the  same  end?  Oh, 
I  think  you  will  be  happy  !  " 

"  I  do  not  suppose  God  gives  us  life  just  for  the  happi- 
ness in  it.  Isn't  it  making  others  happy?  When  we 
reduce  it  to  absolute  self,  we  narrow  it.  God  would  n't 
have  put  the  whole  great  world  around  us  if  he  had  meant 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  101 

us  to  look  continually  at  one  object ;  and  this  is  why  Mr. 
Truesdell's  life  satisfies  me  ;  he  can  never  get  it  down  to 
one  small,  objective  point:  it  is  always  broadening." 

Kathie  was  silent.  Had  her  pupil  so  far  exceeded 
her?  Would  she  always  be  ready  to  take  in  the  great 
world  ? 

"  We  are  going  on  just  the  same  until  school  closes.  I 
believe  two  or  three  people  imagine  it  is  Cousin  Ellen  ;  so 
you  see  I  do  not  need  to  be  called  into  question.  And  all 
this  time  I  shall  be  getting  used  to  the  thoughts  of  my  new 
work." 

She  did  not  say  her  new  life.  She  could  not  bring  it  all 
down  to  the  level  of  daily  existence,  as  she  would  by  and 
by,  when  the  marriage  was  talked  about. 

They  had  to  retrace  their  steps,  for  there  was  not  much 
time  to  spare.  The  new  railroad  had  a  station  near  Mid- 
dleville,  and  she  was  to  go  in  the  train.  Kathie  drove  her 
down  to  the  station,  and  though  there  were  no  ardent,  girl- 
ish promises,  each  knew  how  warm  an  interest  she  held 
in  the  other's  heart. 

She  was  turning  her  horse  slow!}"  when  some  one  spoke. 

"Where  are  you  going?"  asked  Eugene  Collamore. 
' '  Don't  you  want  to  take  in  a  stray  ?  " 

"  You?"  She  smiled  gravely,  for  she  was  in  a  serious 
mood. 

"  Yes,  if  I  dared  to  invite  myself.  You  and  the  pony 
look  so  tempting  and  so  lonesome." 

"  Do  we  look  lonesome?  Now  I  thought  Hero  and  I 
had  a  peculiarly  companionable  aspect.  But  we  will  take 
you  in." 

' '  Admirable  condescension .  See  what  an  humble- 
minded  adorer  accepting  the  crumbs  the  princess  flings 
out  to  him." 

"  I  did  not  mean  tojling,  Eugene,"  she  returned  quickly, 
holding  herself  erect,  with  a  sudden  dignity. 

' '  Oh,  you  know  that  was  pure  folly  ! "  And  with  a  laugh 
he  sprang  in. 


102  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

They  waited  there  for  a  train  just  coming  up.  Mr.  Dar- 
rell  drove  beside  them,  and  spoke  to  Kathie. 

"I've  come  for  my  lad,"  he  said.  "  I  believe  he  has 
been  studying  overmuch  again  or  else  he  is  homesick  for 
the  sight  of  the  country." 

"Charlie?  Has  he  been  111?"  Kathie  leaned  over; 
was  it  the  position,  or  some  warmer  touch,  that  flushed  her 
fair  cheek  ? 

"  No,  not  ill,  only  a  little  used  up,  and  wanting  a 
week's  rest.  There  ! " 

"The  train  came  in,  amid  smoke  and  noise.  When  it 
had  cleared  away  a  little,  the  procession  filed  out.  Satur- 
day evenings  always  brought  full  trains. 

Eugene  took  up  the  reins.     "  Wait,"  said  Kathie 

Charlie  caught  sight  of  her  first,  and  smiled,  then  came 
around  and  held  out  his  hand. 

"  See  what  a  rival  you  are  to  old  people,  Miss  Kathie  ; 
but  it  is  the  way  of  the  world."  And  Mr  Darrell  shrugged 
his  shoulders  with  a  touch  of  humor. 

"  I  am  sorry  you  are  not  well,"  she  said  earnestly. 

"  It  is  nothing  much  ;  but  I  want  to  come  in  splendid 
a  month  later  on,  so  I  thought  I  would  rest  up  a  bit.  Now, 
father.  You  may  look  for  me  to-morrow,"  he  added,  as  he 
sprang  into  the  wagon. 

Both  parties  nodded  an  adieu.  They  could  have  taken 
the  same  direction,  but  Eugene  turned  Hero  into  one  of 
the  new  avenues.  Kathie  made  no  comment.  Already  in 
her  mind  she  had  gone  back  to  Sarah.  There  was  a  curi- 
ous connecting  link  in  her  mind  between  the  aims  of  the 
two ;  not  that  such  dissimilar  souls  could  ever  come 
together  on  any  but  a  broad  general  basis,  yet  there  was 
the  life,  the  work." 

"  How  deadly  solemn  you  are  !  "  Eugene  said  presently. 
"  I  don't  think  Darrell  looked  —  well  —  dangerous." 

"  It  was  n't  that  — " 

"  You  were  thinking  of  him?" 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  103 

"  Yes,  in  a  way." 

Eugene  Collamore  bit  his  lip  while  his  face  flushed  a  dull 
scarlet.  Charlie  Darrell  was  very  nice,  no  doubt,  but  why 
should  he  (toop  down  upon  them  just  now,  when  they  were 
all  going  on  so  comfortably  ?  " 

"Let  me  drive  you  over  home,"  he  began  earnestly. 
' '  The  girls  will  be  delighted,  and  I  will  bring  you  back 
after  tea." 

"  Not  to-night,  thank  you.  I  have  had  company  all 
day  and  I  feel  now  like  being  lazy  and  thinking  "  ;  and  she 
smiled  softly. 

Did  she  mean,  to  think  of  Darrell?  How  pleasant  and 
jolly  they  had  been  since  Kathie's  return,  and  now  some- 
thing had  come  to  spoil  it  all.  Why  could  they  not  have 
gone  on  just  the  same  until  —  until — 

"  Here  we  are."  And  Kathie's  voice  roused  him  from  his 
revery. 

"  Good  night,"  he  made  answer,  huskily. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

IT  was  ver}r  comforting  to  see  Kathie's  gravely  sweet 
face  at  church  on  Sunday,  and  no  Charlie  Darrell.  Eugene 
(J&llurnore  thought  of  her  all  service  time  ;_  indeed  he  had 
thought  of  her  nearly  all  night. 

"  There  is  a  picnic  for  the  Mission  School  and  Orphans' 
Home  on  the  carpet,"  said  some  one  to  Kathie  as  they  all 
came  down  the  church  steps.  "I  wonder  how  many  of 
you  young  girls  could  be  counted  on  for  the  supper?" 

"Why,  any  of  us,"  returned  Kathie  at  random;  "all 
of  us,  I  think,"  correcting  herself. 

"  The  committee  is  to  meet  after  Sunday  school :  try 
and  be  present." 

Some  one  was  talking  to  her  mother,  so  she  crossed  over 
to  Miss  Collamore,  and  made  the  announcement  to  her ; 
and  as  they  turned  down  the  street  Eugene  took  the  out- 
side of  the  walk,  and  constituted  himself  Kathie's  cavalier. 

A  young  man  not  to  be  despised,  well  grown  and  well 
looking,  a  little  darker  in  tone  than  either  of  the  girls, 
straight  and  manly,  with  a  certain  degree  of  character 
that  spoke  in  his  favor.  His  father  was  one  of  the  part- 
ners in  a  very  prosperous  new  mill,  and  Eugene  was  an 
only  son,  not  foolishly  brought  up  in  idleness. 

As  they  walked  together  they  were  a  very  pretty  young 
couple  ;  even  Uncle  Robert  thought  this. 

He,  Eugene,  was  so  happy  to  be  beside  her,  and  lis- 
ten to  her  bright  talk.  She  was  her  olden  joyous  self; 
and  the  brilliant  day  served  to  clear  up  the  clouds  and 
forebodings  of  the  night.  If  they  could  only  go  on  this  way 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  105 

until  the  right  time  came  for  a  word  to  settle  it  all.  If 
there  were  no  other  young  men. 

But  the  radiant  morning  did  not  end  so  brightly.  The 
girls  stayed,  of  course,  to  see  the  committee  in  the  after- 
noon ;  and  when  Eugene  sauntered  out  to  meet  them, 
Charlie  Darrell  had  taken  possession  of  Kathie.  They 
were  all  deeply  interested  in  the  picnic.  The  Orphans' 
Home,  one  of  the  charities  that  always  get  merged  into 
the  larger  asylum,  had  been  undertaken  by  a  kindly  and 
benevolent  woman.  There  were  twenty  children  now. 
The  mission  school  consisted  of  the  poor  that  had  becu 
gathered  in,  and  their  scanty  pleasures  were  of  necessity 
provided  by  others.  Now  there  was  to  be  a  day  in  the 
woods,  with  swings  and  other  simple  amusements,  wind- 
ing up  with  a  holiday  feast.  The  elders  would  take 
the  charge,  and  do  the  hardest  part  of  the  work,  and  the 
young  people  must  come  in  as  assistants.  They  were  will- 
ing enough,  and  talked  it  over  in  the  interested,  eager 
manner  of  youth 

"•  It  is  such  a  nice  plan  to  have  it  before  one  begins  with 
company  and  all  the  grown-up  pleasures,"  said  Fay  Col- 
lamore.  "  We  had  such  a  delightful  time  last  year.  You 
had  a  hand  in  it,  Mr.  Darrell.  Are  you  going  to  stay  long 
enough  for  this  ?  " 

"  I  think  not.  I  shall  have  several  very  busy  weeks 
before  my  vacation.  I  only  wish  I  were  ;  but  I  must  get 
back  the  last  of  the  week." 

"  Tuesday  of  the  week  after  is  the  da}-  settled  upon." 

"  You  must  enjoy  it  for  me,  though  I  believe  such  things 
are  often  more  work  than  pleasure.  Yet  we  used  to 
have  some  nice  times  in  the  old  days,  did  we  not,  Ka- 
thie?" 

"  It  will  seem  quite  new  to  me  again.  Charlie,  you  must 
give  me  due  instructions,  so  that  I  shall  not  make  blunders." 

They  reached  the  place  where  paths  diverged.  The 
lawn  lay  in  a  flood  of  sunshine,  but  the  porch  was  cool  and 
Kathie  and  Charlie  turned. 


106  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Eugene  walked  on  moodily.  The  sunshine  had  all  gone 
out  of  the  day.  When  they  reached  their  own  home,  he 
went  to  his  room  and  threw  himself  on  his  bed,  and  a  flood 
of  impatient,  impotent  passion  swept  over  him. 

Yes,  he  cared  for  Kathie  Alston,  was  in  love  with  her, 
he  admitted  quite  frankly,  and  with  the  ready  despair  of 
youth  felt  that  if  he  could  not  win  her,  there  was  nothing  but 
blankness  and  bitterness  left  to  life.  They  all  liked  her. 
There  would  be  a  warm  welcome  for  her,  from  his  father 
down.  And  she  seemed  to  care  for  him.  They  had  been 
such  pleasant  friends :  they  had  so  many  tastes  and  fan- 
cies and  aims  in  common ;  and  they  could  be  so  happy. 
Why  should  another  come  in  between?  What  was  the 
other  friendship  to  his  love  ? 

"  What  is  the  matter,  Eugene  ?  "  asked  Fay  that  evening  ; 
"  you  were  so  bright  this  morning,  and  now  you  are  all  out 
of  spirits." 

"  Am  I?"  and  he  tried  to  laugh.  "  I  believe  I  have  a 
little  dull  headache.  I  am  not  very  companionable,  so  I 
think  I  will  take  a  stroll  out  of  doors." 

There  was  but  one  place  to  stroll,  one  face  that  he  cared 
to  see.  Up  the  avenue  a  little  way,  across  the  lawn,  as 
near  the  house  as  he  dared,  until  he  learned  where  the  family 
were  sitting.  That  was  on  the  wide  porch,  in  the  sort  of 
yellow  twilight  made  by  the  lamp  within.  He  heard  her 
voice, — gay,  sweet,  contented.  Why  did  she  not  have 
some  presentiment?  Could  she  not  see  that  he  cared,  — 
that  it  was  everything  to  him  ? 

How  foolish  !  How  could  she  know  until  he  told  her, 
unless  she  was  a  coquette,  trying  her  arts  ?  and  that  -Kathie 
Alston  was  not.  A  word  would  explain  it  all,  make  his 
longing  dream  a  reality.  Why  should  he  not  dare  his  fate 
—  win  or  lose  it  all  ?  But  oh,  he  could  not  lose  ! 

Charlie  Darrell  was  there,  and  it  would  be  no  real  pleas- 
ure to  join  them,  though,  like  most  of  the  young  people  in 
Brookside,  he  had  grown  very  fond  of  dropping  in  where 


WHOM   KATHIE   MAERIED.  107 

he  was  always  made  welcome.  No,  he  would  steal  back 
again  and  bide  his  time.  To-morrow,  perhaps,  or  some  day 
soon.  He  could  not  wait  with  the  great  risk  of  losing. 

But  Kathie  seemed  engrossed  every  day  and  hour.  He 
haunted  the  house  ;  she  was  either  at  the  Darrells'  or 
there  were  visitors.  The  two  rode  out  together ;  and  when 
Eugene  caught  sight  of  them,  his  heart  dropped  like  lead, 
and  a  shudder  ran  over  him. 

But  at  last  his  rival  went  away,  lingering  over  the  sec- 
ond Sunday,  and  keeping  her  so  engrossed  that  she  had 
not  once  called  on  his  sisters.  To  be  sure,  there  were 
committees  and  plans  for  the  picnic,  but  she  need  n't 
spend  all  the  rest  of  the  time  at  the  Darrells'. 

Indeed,  Charlie,  with  the  languor  of  semi-indisposition, 
and  his  head  full  of  Greek  translations,  church  histories, 
essays,  and  poems,  to  which  Kathie  must  listen  and  dis- 
cuss and  reason  out  with  him,  did  claim  a  good  deal  of 
her  time.  It  was  such  a  pleasure  to  have  her  there  just  as 
she  used  to  be  in  Jessie's  reign,  but  not  sharing  her  with 
brother  Edward,  or  have  him  deciding  on  her  ways  and 
plans. 

Yet  he  said,  "What  time  will  you  come  to-morrow?" 
or,  "  Come  over  in  the  afternoon,  and  when  we  get  through 
with  study  we  will  go  for  a  drive,  and  then  I  '11  take  tea  at 
your  house,  and  we  '11  get  Uncle  Robert  to  go  over  the 
Greek,  or  judge  of  the  merits  of  this  translation."  She 
slipped  so  easily  into  all  the  arrangements.  They  were 
such  good  comrades,  students,  friends. 

"  You  quite  forget,"  said  his  mother,  "  that  Kathie  Al- 
ston is  a  charming  3*oung  lady,  and  that  the  young  men 
are  all  anxious  to  do  her  honor.  Studious  readings  and 
scientific  discussions  may  not  have  the  charm  for  her  that 
they  have  for  you." 

Charlie  glanced  up  suddenly,  and  though  his  eyes  rested 
on  his  mother,  his  thoughts  did  not  go  with  them,  but 
beyond. 


108  WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED. 

"  Why,  mother,"  he  returned,  "you  must  see  that  Kathie 
is  different  from  other  girls,  and  doesn't  — "  There 
was  a  long  pause,  rather  curious  to  himself,  even.  "  If 
she  showed  in  the  slightest  that  any  subject  wearied  her,  I 
should  drop  it  in  a  moment.  I  couldn't  bore  any  one." 

"  You  think  she  would  show  it?"  And  a  sweet,  motherly 
smile  shone  in  her  eyes. 

"  Kathie  is  the  soul  of  truth  and  honor.  She  would  not 
assume  an  interest  she  did  not  feel.  And  she  brings  such 
a  fresh,  inspiriting  vigor ;  her  views  are  clear  and  crisp, 
and  she  has  a  good  deal  of  critical  knowledge.  Not  one 
girl  in  fifty  gets  such  splendid  training.  I  do  think, 
mother,  her  soul  is  the  larger  for  having  been  so  much 
with  men  of  the  grander  stamp.  She  never  seems  to  think 
of  her  dress  and  her  hair,  and  if  her  dimple  shows  to  the 
best  advantage,  or  her  smiles  are  properly  fascinating.  She 
enjoys  everything  so  much,  and  she  brings  such  a  zest  to 
work,  finding  all  the  attractive  points.  She  is  like  a  glow- 
ing spring  morning,  and  freshens  }-ou  up  in  ever}*  pulse. 
Why,  I  believe  she  has  put  more  new  ideas  in  my  head 
than  I  should  have  thought  of  in  a  month  at  the  seminary  ; 
and  my  headaches  have  quite  vanished.  As  for  honoring 
her,"  —  and  his  eyes  kindled  with  pride,  —  "I  have  always 
done  that,  and  Kathie  knows  it.  If  other  young  men  —  " 

Charlie  walked  over  to  the  window.  He  had  never  con- 
sidered other  young  men  before.  Kathie  had  in  a  sense 
belonged  to  them  ever  since  the  da}-  so  long  ago,  when 
Jessie  had  taken  her  and  Aunt  Ruth  out  in  the  sleigh. 
They  had  just  grown  on  and  on  into  youth,  keeping  the 
fine  and  pure  regard  untarnished ;  but  other  young  men 
might  begin  at  youth  and  go  on  to  something  warmer  than 
friendship.  A  sudden  flash  of  remembrance  disclosed  a 
vivid  picture,  — Eugene  Collamore,  in  all  the  frank  allure- 
ment of  a  cultured  and  attractive  manhood,  sitting  in 
Kathie's  pony  carriage  and  holding  the  reins,  almost 
with  an  air  of  ownership.  It  was  like  a  sudden  plunge 
into  an  ice-cold  river. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  109 

He  turned  with  a  nervous  laugh,  and  did  not  meet  his 
mother's  wondering  eyes. 

"  Other  young  men  are  not  born  blind,  I  suppose,  and 
they  will  see  that  Kathie  is  attractive  ;  but  the  old  friends 
have  the  strongest  hold,  I  think."  And  he  sauntered  out  of 
the  room. 

He  had  felt  quite  certain  of  returning  on  Saturday,  but 
he  waited  until  Monday  morning.  Would  young  Collamore 
be  likely  to  attract  Kathie  ?  It  was  a  sort  of  mental  prob- 
lem that  had  to  be  solved  outside  of  ordinary  rules.  There 
was  family  and  position,  and  wealth,  no  doubt,  but  was 
the  vital,  underlying  strength  sufficiently  apparent  in  his 
nature  to  influence  a  girl  like  Kathie,  who  had,  as  he  told 
his  mother,  been  the  companion  of  men?  Uncle  Robert 
certainly  was  clear  e3Ted :  he  would  not  let  her  fall  into  a 
mistake ;  and  Kathie  had  no  need  to  think  of  the  future 
in  the  sense  of  providing  for  it.  They  would  not  want  to 
give  her  up  at  Cedarwood.  Yes,  she  was  safe  for  the 
present. 

Yet  in  less  than  a  week  Charlie  Darrell  had  a  new  and 
uneasy  feeling  about  her.  Never  before  had  the  tranquillity 
of  his  regard  been  stirred.  He  was  to  finish  his  studies,  to 
be  ordained  to  his  high  and  sacred  calling  with  Kathie's 
clear  reverent  eyes  upon  him.  Farther  than  that  he  had 
never  gone ;  but  out  on  that  boundless  sea  stretched  a 
man's  life,  with  its  wants  and  needs  and  dreams. 

Sometimes  a  word  or  an  incident  changes  the  whole 
tenor  of  a  girl's  thoughts  and  carries  her  swiftly  to  the 
shore  of  womanhood.  To  a  young  man  accustomed  to 
sisters  and  real  friends  among  those  of  his  own  age,  as 
sudden  an  awakening  may  befall, — the  time  when  the  friend 
must  be  something  more,  or  a  new  ideal  is  set  in  her 
place.  In  this  instance  it  was  the  something  more.  He 
said  to  himself  in  his  tender,  poetical  wa}~,  "  Here,  by 
God's  grace,  is  the  one  soul  for  me "  ;  and  then  resolved 
with  an  almost  awesome  reverence  to  win  her  for  the 


110  WHOM   KATHEE   MARRIED. 

life  here ;  and  what  should  part  them  in  the  life  to 
come?  He  laid  it  up  with  a  certain  large  awaiting,  as 
one  of  the  best  gifts  of  a  heavenly  Father,  —  the  thing  that 
was  almost  certain.  He  would  not  allow  jealousy  to  creep 
in  and  distract  him.  First,  his  duty  was  to  be  to  his  God, 
whose  faithful  servant  he  was  vowed  to  his  life's  end,  and 
then  all  these  things  were  to  be  added. 

But  no  such  high  and  pure  faith  sustained  Eugene  Colla- 
more.  He  had  the  love  and  jealousy,  the  hope  and  despair, 
the  madness,  of  a  very  honest,  earnest,  first  regard.  He 
had  not  flirted  with  girls  to  any  extent  only  in  the  happy 
idleness  when  one  gives  and  takes  of  the  outward  sur- 
roundings rather  than  the  inward  heart.  And  he  had 
passed  a  very  miserable  week,  losing  both  appetite  and 
sleep.  His  mother  believed  him  to  be  on  the  verge  of 
illness.  The  girls  were  puzzled  when  they  thought  of  it, 
but  rather  busy  ;  and  he  kept  pretty  well  out  of  the  way. 

The  picnic  party  was  to  meet  at  the  Home,  and  the 
children  to  march  in  a  procession  for  about  a  mile,  part  of 
the  way  through  the  new  end  of  Cedarwood  Avenue,  to  a 
pretty  clearing  in  the  strip  of  wood  that  still  remained. 
It  was  the  loveliest  of  days  in  early  June,  and  the  children 
were  wild  with  delight.  The  ladies  of  the  committee  and 
the  teachers  were  to  accompany  them  and  spend  part 
of  the  day  in  various  entertainments.  There  was  to  be  a 
simple  lunch  at  noon,  and  a  supper  at  four,  quite  in  reg- 
ular order,  and  the  return  home  shortly  after.  By  a  sort 
of  tacit  understanding,  friends  would  be  welcomed  at  the 
close  of  the  feast. 

"  When  we  are  fagged  out  and  have  lost  our  freshness," 
appended  Georgie  Halford. 

Some  of  the  mothers  came  too,  with  a  baby  in  their 
arms,  pleased  to  see  their  little  ones  made  much  of,  and 
out  on  a  holiday  belonging  to  their  very  selves,  —  not  shreds 
and  fragments  of  some  other  pleasure.  They  sang  their 
pretty,  joyous  carols,  they  marched  in  a  circle,  and  then, 
sat  down  to  the  abundant  table. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  Ill 

The  young  men  began  to  stroll  in  presently,  —  those  who 
could  get  off  for  an  hour  or  two.  There  was  some  merry 
jesting  and  serving,  not  quite  to  the  manner  born  ;  and 
some  of  them  awkwardly  helped  afterward  in  the  clearing- 
up.  The  wagon  came  for  the  luggage,  the  children  formed 
again  in  a  procession  ;  there  was  a  vote  of  thanks  and  much 
cheering,  and  the  day's  delight  was  relegated  to  remem- 
brance, to  be  enjoyed  over  and  over  again  by  the  little 
ones. 

' '  There  is  no  use  of  our  strolling  through  the  town  like 
a  baud  of  gypsies, "  said  Georgie  Halford,  who  had  an 
admirer  at  her  elbow.  "  Let  us  walk  down  the  river  road : 
it  will  be  nearer  for  all.  " 

"Excellent,"  declared  half  a  dozen  voices. 

They  paired  off.  Louise  Collamore  accepted  an  escort, 
and  Fay,  after  a  moment's  wavering,  joined  her.  Why  it 
was  she  did  not  walk  with  Kathie  and  Eugene  she  could 
hardty  tell ;  an  intangible  sign  of  preference  in  her  broth- 
er's face  and  manner  as  he  gathered  up  Kathie's  parasol 
and  pretty  straw  satchel  with  its  blue  ribbons,  and  slipped 
her  hand  through  his  arm.  Somehow  they  always  offered 
Kathie  their  choicest. 

Eugene  loitered  behind.  Kathie  had  been  very  busy 
and  helpful  all  day,  quite  like  old  times,  and  yet  she  was 
as  daintily  fresh,  with  no  sign  of  fatigue,  as  if  the  day  had 
just  begun. 

Over  on  the  little  winding  river  the  sun  twinkled ;  out 
on  the  lake  it  lay  in  a  quivering  sheet,  full  of  translucent 
purples  and  greens,  with  a  shimmer  of  gold.  There  was 
a  fragrance  in  the  trees  overhead  and  in  the  turf  under 
their  feet.  Here  a  wood-robin  sang,  and  one  over  beyond 
answered.  There  was  such  a  sense  of  richness,  fulness, 
and  life  everywhere,  that  Kathie  drew  long  breaths  of  con- 
tent. 

She  glanced  at  Eugene,  so  unusually  quiet,  for  ordina- 
rily he  was  of  the  gay  order  of  young  men,  always  ready 


212  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

to  take  his  share  in  amusing  and  being  amused.  There 
was  a  little  shadow  under  his  eyes,  and  his  face  had  a 
tense,  set  expression  ;  the  laughing  lips  compressed,  the 
eyes  glancing  straight  ahead,  as  if  confronting  some  vis- 
ion in  the  glowing  }-et  softened  air. 

The  motion  she  made,  slight  as  it  was,  roused  him  from 
his  revery.  All  day  he  had  been  dreaming  over  oppor- 
tunity, and  now  it  had  come,  to  find  him  nei-vous  and  illy 
prepared. 

"  Engene,"  she  said  softhr,  "  something  troubles  you." 

"Yes."  His  voice  was  husky,  and  he  made  quite  a 
pretence  of  clearing  it.  "  Kathie,  did  3*ou  ever  suppose  — 
do  you  think  —  any  one  might  be  unhappy  about  you  ?  " 

"  Unhappy  about  me?"  There  was  a  touch  of  incre- 
dulity in  the  very  sympathetic  tone  of  her  voice.  "  Why 
should  any  one  be?"  as  if  not  sure  the  thing  was  possible. 

"  But  one  might  be.  Can't  you  understand,  Kathie?" 
The  dream  girl  of  Eugene's  love  was  to  respond  at  a  word, 
and  he  seemed  to  himself,  at  that  moment,  like  one  on  a 
wide  and  lonely  sea. 

"  What  have  I  done  ?  "  pausing  suddenly. 

*'  You  have  made  me  love  you  ;  love  you  till  I  can  think 
of  nothing  else  ;  till  I  long  for  you  day  and  night,  and  am 
jealous  if  any  one  comes  near  you  "  ;  his  voice  deep  with 
boyish  earnestness,  and  his  face  scarlet,  his  eyes  shining 
almost  to  tears. 

"  Oh  !  "  She  faced  him  and  saw  all  this,  then  she  turned 
her  eyes  toward  the  rippling  water.  The  robin's  song 
smote  her  ear,  the  summer  air  seemed  harsh  upon  her 
cheek. 

"Kathie,  I  love  you  so  much,  so  much,"  lingering  over 
it  as  if  it  were  sweet  to  say.  "  I  know  we  are  both  young, 
but  they,  mother  and  the  girls,  would  be  delighted ;  and 
father  will  take  me  in  the  business,  so  I  have  something 
to  offer  you.  And  my  whole  life,  with  all  its  aims,  its 
truth,  its  devotion,  is  yours.  We  could  be  so  happy  !  " 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIEP.  113 

It  seemed  to  Kathie  at  first  as  if  her  lips  were  paralyzed, 
and  would  never  move  again.  She  shrank  a  littJe  awaj', 
and  he  saw  the  motion.  Holding  out  his  hands  he  cried 
beseechingly,  "  Kathie,  Kathie  !  "  and  would  have  come, 
would  have  taken  her. 

' '  Don't !  "  she  cried  in  a  piteous  tone  of  regret.  O  Eu- 
gene !  why  did  you  care  for  me  so?  I  thought  we  were 
only  friends." 

"  You  see  it  now.  You  know  how,  in  what  manner,  1 
care  for  you.  I  shall  always  care  just  the  same.  I  will  wait. 
Kathie,  you  can  learn  to  love  me.  Oh,  say  you  will  try ! " 

He  seemed  to  put  so  much  of  his  soul  in  the  pleading, 
broken  as  the  sentences  were,  that  Katbie  scarcely  knew 
how  to  answer,  bewildered  by  his  evident  pain,  and  a 
sense  of  something  like  remorse  that  she  had  so  misled 
him,  even  innocently. 

"  Oh,"  she  said,  and  her  voice  sounded  as  if  a  sob  was 
back  of  it,  "  we  cannot,  ought  not  try,  in  such  matters.  I 
want  to  tell  just  the  truth.  I  do  like  you  very  much,  and 
it  seemed  to  me  we  were  pleasant  and  true  friends.  I  did 
not  mean  to  lead  you  to  think  of  me  in  an}*  other  light. 
I  did  not  dream  it  was  possible." 

"  You  love  some  one  else." 

"  No,  I  do  not  love  any  one  in  that  way"  ;  and  she 
raised  her  clear,  frank  eyes  to  his.  "  I  do  not  think  I 
understand  just  what  such  a  feeling  can  be.  I  have  never 
speculated  about  it "  ;  and  her  voice  sank  to  a  tremulous 
sadness.  "  You  see,  I  have  been  quite  a  little  girl  all 
along." 

"  Then  you  will  let  me  wait "  ;  and  he  raised  his  head 
with  a  joyful  manliness,  as  if  he  had  found  a  sure  place 
on  which  to  trust  his  regard.  '*  I  won't  ask  you  to  be  en- 
gaged. All  shall  be  as  it  was  before,  only  —  " 

Oh,  what  was  she  to  do?  How  could  she  make  him 
understand  that  she  should  never  want  his  love?  It 
seemed  so  cold  and  cruel. 


114  WHOM 


KATHIE    MARRIED. 


"  No,  it  is  better  not.  Let  us  try  to  forget  it  all.  I 
cannot  explain  it  very  well,  only  I  don't  want  you  pained 
by  any  waiting  in  vain.  You  see  I  should  feel  all  the  time 
as  if  I  ought  to  be  trying  —  " 

"  You  might,  for  my  sake  ;  and  if  you  could  not,  then  —  " 

* '  Let  us  go  on  "  ;  and  she  turned  back  to  the  trodden 
path.  "  I  suppose  I  have  been  very  wrong  somewhere,  lead- 
ing you  to  love  me,  when  I  —  " 

"  No,  you  have  never  been  wrong."  He  would  not 
have  her  blame  herself  any  sooner  than  he  would  listen  to 
any  other  person's  censure  of  her.  "  You  cannot  help 
being  the  sweetest  and  dearest  and  most  attractive  of  girls. 
Everything  you  do  is  just  right.  I  mean  one  would  not 
have  3rou  changed  in  any  way ;  and,"  with  some  warmth, 
*'  do  you  suppose  everybod}^  is  going  to  be  blind  always? 
Other  people  will  love  you  as  well  as  I." 

"  Oh,  I  hope  not"  ;  and  she  shivered.  "  I  do  not  want 
any  other  life  for  a  long  while  to  come.  I  don't  under- 
stand it.  It  seems  like  going  out  of  the  safe,  pleasant 
places,  and  I  do  not  want  to  go." 

That  struck  home  innocently.  He  turned  too,  —  she  was 
a  little  ahead  of  him  in  the  path,  —  and  walked  slowly  be- 
side her.  For  some  moments  there  was  silence. 

Presently  he  began : — 

' '  I  suppose  I  blundered  about  it.  I  have  not  made  you 
feel  as  if  I  was  strong  and  reliant,  and  you  could  trust  me 
for  all  time.  I  have  not  even  made  you  understand  how 
much  it  was  and  is  to  me." 

"It  is  not  that."  She  was  crying  a  little  now,  just 
quietly,  the  tears  dropping  from  her  long  lashes.  "  Can't 
you  feel  sure,  Eugene,  that  if  I  wanted  any  happiness 
outside  of  my  own  home  I  should  be  brave  enough  and 
true  enough  to  take  it  when  it  was  offered?  And  if  I 
wanted  it  I  should  know  just  what  it  was." 

They  were  silent  again.  He  could  not  reason  it  out. 
Kathie's  exceeding  honesty  blunted  his  endeavor  in  some 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  115 

intangible  way.  He  could  only  think  how  much  he  loved 
her,  and  wonder  why  she  would  not  try  to  love  him. 

They  came  to  the  drive  leading  around  the  lawn  to  the 
house.  She  held  out  her  hand  for  her  small  belongings. 
He  gave  them  to  her,  but  kept  on  beside  her  to  the  very 
step. 

"  Good  night."  She  could  not  give  him  any  word  of 
comfort  that  would  not  be  a  word  of  hope  as  well,  yet  her 
heart  ached  to  see  him  so  sad. 

"I  shall  think  of  you  all  the  time  :  I  cannot  help  it." 

He  walked  slowly  down  to  the  street.  She  ran  up  to 
her  own  room,  threw  off  her  hat,  and,  dropping  on  the  bed, 
all  her  courage  seemed  to  forsake  her.  She  could  not 
even  cry.  Two  or  three  dry  sobs  shook  her  frame,  and 
then  she  put  her  hands  over  her  eyes  as  if  to  shut  out 
everything.  Oh,  if  Eugene  had  not  made  them  both  mis- 
erable ! 


CHAPTER  X. 

SHE  Crttf  not  go  down  when  the  supper  bell  rang,  for  she 
could  not  see  any  one  just  then.  There  was  a  strangely 
guilty  feeling  at  her  heart  as  the  words  rang  through  her 
ears,  "You  have  made  me  love  you!"  What  had  she 
done  to  bring  about  such  a  result?  They  were  not  on  the 
same  terms  as  —  well  —  Bruce  and  she,  or  Charlie  and  she. 
It  was  a  mystery  she  could  not  fathom. 

"  Miss  Kathie,  your  uncle  sent  me  up  to  see  if  you  would 
not  have  a  cup  of  tea,"  said  Jane,  pausing  in  the  open 
doorway. 

"  Where  is  mamma?  " 

"  Gone  out  to  tea.  Mr.  Conover  is  down  there  all  alone, 
for  Freddy  is  at  the  Archers'." 

"  Tell  Uncle  Robert  that  I  don't  want  any  tea,  but  that 
I  am  coming  down  to  the  library  presently,  when  I  am  a 
little  rested." 

For  she  must  have  the  matter  settled.  She  must  know 
where  she  had  been  to  blame.  She  could  not  go  on  being 
sweet  and  attractive  and  ever}-thing  —  making  people  care, 
and  being  so  surprised  if  they  did.  There  was  a  safeguard, 
an  armor,  that  she  must  put  on. 

The  lamp  was  burning  low  on  the  centre  table  as  she 
entered  the  room,  sweet  with  the  dew  and  honeysuckle,  and 
the  breath  of  roses. 

"You  have  tired  yourself  out."  Uncle  Robert  crossed 
the  room  to  meet  her,  and,  sheltering  her  with  his  arm, 
drew  her  near  him,  as  they  both  seated  themselves  on 
the  tete-d-tete. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  117 

"  No,  it  is  not  fatigue."    Her  voice  was  not  quite  steady. 

"  You  are  very  pale."  But  as  he  looked  she  flushed 
deeply. 

"  Uncle  Robert,  will  you  tell  me  just  what  you  consider 
a  coquette  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  Why,  a  woman  who  tries  to  win  a  man's  heart,  who 
makes  a  bid  for  his  admiration,  or  who  leads  him  to  sup- 
pose she  cares  for  him  when  she  really  does  not.  I 
might  give  you  a  more  critical  analysis."  And  he  smiled. 

"But  if  she  did  not  try,  if  she  did  not  even  suspect 
that  he  cared." 

' '  It  has  been  the  misfortune  of  some  very  fine  and  noble 
women  to  inspire  a  regard  they  could  not  return.  Some- 
times a  better  happening  awaited  them  when  the  mistake 
was  overlived,  and  both  came  to  see  clearer.  But  what 
has  put  all  this  into  your  head  ?  " 

"  You  think  it  ought  not  be  there.  I  am  more  sorry 
than  I  can  tell  that  it  should  have  come  to  me.  UncleRob- 
ert,  I  think  I  ought  to  tell  you  or  mamma  —  and  she  will 
not  be  home  until  quite  late,  so  it  must  be  to  you  —  that 
some  one  cares  for  me,  and  wanted  me  to  be  engaged." 
Further  she  could  not  go,  even  in  her  thought. 

" Some  one?    Kathie,  when  did  it  happen?" 

"  A  little  while  ago,  —  walking  home  from  the  picnic  " 

She  hung  her  head  with  a  child's  diffidence,  but  he  no- 
ticed her  quick-coming  breath,  her  evident  agitation. 

"  Oh,  I  can  guess.     Eugene  Collamore." 

"  Do  you  think,  Uncle  Robert —  " 

"My  dear  Kathie,"  — he  wanted  to  smile,  but  he  would 
not  have  wounded  her  tender  heart  for  the  world,  —  "do 
not  distress  yourself  so  deeply  over  it.  I  am  extremely 
sorry  it  should  have  happened  ;  and  Kugene  is  nothing  but 
a  boy  with  a  first  fancy.  Such  things  will  occur  occasion- 
ally. What  did  you  say?" 

"  I  was  so  surprised,  and  —  But  I  do  not  love  him,  and 
I  tried  to  make  him  see,  to  understand.  I  don't  want  to 


118  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

marry  any  one.  I  don't  want  any  real  lovers,  but  just 
you." 

He  pressed  her  closely  to  his  heart  and  kissed  the  dewy 
lips  that  were  tremulous  with  nervous  excitement.  After 
all,  it  was  a  serious  matter  to  her. 

"  Tell  me  all  about  it.     What  led  to  such  a  talk?" 

"  Nothing.  We  had  fallen  behind  the  others,  and  he 
suddenly  began.  He  said  I  had  made  him  love  me,  and 
that  he  was  very  unhappy.  I  like  him  ever  so  much,  and 
we  have  had  such  pleasant  times  ;  but  I  never  tried,  be- 
cause, truly,  I  never  thought  about  it.  He  seems  to  me  — 
like  Charlie  and  Dick  and  the  other  boys." 

"  And  he  really  asked  you  to  be  engaged? "  To  Uncle 
Robert  there  was  a  startling  audacity  in  the  young  lover. 

"Yes.  He  said  they  would  all  be  so  glad  at  home  ;  and 
oh,  what  will  they  think  of  me  now?  " 

"  He  did  not  say  he  had  told  them? " 

"  No.  But  oh,  Uncle  Robert,  I  can  almost  feel  now 
that  Fay  does  suspect "  ;  and  Kathie's  face  crimsoned  to  its 
utmost  capacity.  "  Will  they  think  I  ought  to  —  " 

"  They  will  have  to  think  as  they  please,  whether  justly 
or  unjustly.  Since  you  do  not  care  about  the  young  man's 
love,  the  point  is  settled.  He  is  too  immature  to  know  his 
own  mind  for  manhood,  and  at  his  time  of  life  love  is 
merely  '  blind  contact,'  not  the  stern  necessity  of  loving. 
Any  sweet,  amiable,  3Toung  girl  with  whom  he  was  thrown 
a  great  deal  would  attract  him." 

"  I  wish  it  had  been  some  one  else,"  said  Kathie  with 
a  sigh  of  regret. 

Uncle  Robert  experienced  a  sudden  check  to  his  reason- 
ing. There  had  been  other  girls.  Georgie  Halford,  Rose 
Gordon,  and  several  who  had  come  before  Kathie,  and  who 
were  alike  charming. 

"  My  little  girl,  it  is  an  unfortunate  thing,  but  I  hold 
you  absolved  from  any  real  intention  to  lure  him  on  to  this 
step." 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  119 

"  O  Uncle  Eobert,"  she  cried,  "you  couldn't  think 
that  of  me." 

"  I  have  just  said  I  did  not,"  he  answered  gravely. 
"  Doubtless  he  believes  now  that  he  never  can  see  any 
charms  in  another  girl,  or  in  the  whole  world  ;  but  he  will 
get  over  this  desperate  state,  and  when  he  finds  you  are  hi 
earnest  he  will  accept  the  fact." 

"But  what  must  I  do?  He  said,  the  very  last  of  all, 
just  here  at  the  step,  he  should  think  of  me  all  the  tune." 

"  You  must  go  on  the  same  as  before,  or  nearly  so ; 
and  you  must  not  allow  yourself  to  be  drawn  into  too  deep 
a  sympathy  for  his  pain.  He  will  suffer,  poor  lad  ;  and  our 
griefs  and  disappointments  are  as  hard  to  bear  then  as  at 
any  later  period,  for  in  the  after-sorrows  we  have  more 
wisdom  and  endurance.  I  hope  he  will  keep  his  own 
counsel.  And  Kathie,  the  wisest  and  finest  of  women 
learn  to  refuse  their  lovers  beforehand,  —  to  show  them  such 
a  thing  could  never  be." 

"But  I  don't  see  how,  when  they  do  not  know  them- 
selves what  will  be  said.  I  hope  never  again  to  have  any 
to  refuse." 

He  smiled  to  himself:  she  was  still  a  very  child  at 
heart. 

"  "Well,  the  experience  has  come  unsought,  and  your 
eyes  are  opened.  I  think  you  will  understand  it  another 
time,  though  it  may  not  always  save  you ;  and  now  do 
not  worry.  Time  is  the  great  rectifier  of  such  mistakes. 
I  cannot  have  you  made  ill  for  the  sake  of  any  young 
man." 

' '  Mamma  ought  to  know  ?  "  Kathie  uttered  it  inquir- 
ingly. 

"  Yes  ;  I  think  I  will  have  a  little  talk  with  her  first." 

"  Oh,  thank  you  !  Not  that  I  am  afraid,  only  I  don't 
want  to  talk  about  it  any  more  :  it  seems  such  a  puzzle." 

"  Well,  so  I  think  I  will  dismiss  you  to  bed  :  that  is  the 
best  place  for  tired  nerves.  Sleep  awa}r  your  trouble,  my 
little  darling."  And  her  kissed  her  tenderly. 


120  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

He  had  treated  the  matter  lightly  because  he  did  not 
want  to  deepen  the  impression  she  had  already  received ; 
but  he  paced  the  floor  softly  now  in  an  unquiet  mood. 
When  a  man  comes  to  middle  life  it  is  difficult  to  realize 
that  the  girl  you  have  petted  and  tutored  and  kept  free  from 
care  is  a  child  no  longer.  He  was  a  little  provoked  and  a 
little  saddened.  The  days  of  change  were  coming  on  so 
swiftly,  —  days  of  separation  perhaps  ;  days  when  impor- 
tant decisions  must  be  made  on  which  would  hang  the  hap- 
piness of  a  lifetime.  Was  she  prepared  to  meet  them? 

Kathie  uttered  a  reverent  prayer  and  soon  fell  asleep. 
The  matter  had  not  touched  her  with  any  keen,  self-abid- 
ing pain.  She  was  grieved,  —  sorry  for  him  ;  but  she  had 
no  glimpse  of  possibilities  in  it  for  herself. 

As  for  Eugene,  he  went  home  feeling  that  he  had  pleaded 
his  cause  very  badly  indeed.  He  would  fain  have  absented 
himself  from  the  supper- table,  but  a  certain  consciousness 
forbade  it. 

"  One  can't  eat  after  all  that  feasting,"  he  said  carelessly 
toying  with  his  fork.  "  I  suppose  it  went  off  satisfacto- 
rily?" nodding  to  Louise. 

"  To  the  children.  Poor  things,  life  with  them  is  not  a 
continual  holiday  ;  but  they  have  had  a  grand  one  to-day. 
Papa,  Mr.  Hunsdon  came  over.  He  was  asking  about 
library  stock  —  whether  it  was  all  taken, —  and  thought  he 
would  call  and  see  }rou  some  evening." 

"  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  a  talk  with  him.  Hunsdon  is 
a  man  I  would  like  to  get  interested.  Why,  there  must 
have  been  quite  a  gathering  !  I  suppose  Miss  Oldham  was 
as  happy  as  any  of  her  children." 

"  Indeed  she  was,"  returned  Fay. 

Eugene  was  glad  to  have  them  get  off  on  these  subjects, 
and  when  the}'  left  the  table  he  strolled  out  on  the  porch, 
to  nurse  his  trouble, —  despair  he  would  not  call  it  }-et.  He 
would  wait  so  patiently.  They  were  young,  and  she  said 
she  did  not  love  any  one.  Then  of  course  she  did  not  care 


WHOM   KATHIE  MARRIED.  121 

tor  Charlie  Darrell  in  that  way,  either.     It  was  a  comfort 
to  him,  and  yet  — 

A  long  time  afterward  there  was  a  step  beside  him 
and  a  soft  hand  laid  on  his  shoulder.  He  knew  it  was  Fay, 
and  he  pressed  his  lips  to  the  tender  fingers. 

"Eugene!"     She  stooped  and  clasped  her  arms  about 
his  neck  with  so  sweet  a  sympathy  that  it  brought  tears  to  • 
his  eyes.     He  had  not  meant  to  betray  his  sorrow  to  any 
one,  but  it  was  his  first  grief  and  hard  to  bear.     "Kathie," 
she  whispered,  just  under  her  breath. 

"  O  Fay,  don't  think  me  a  baby,  but  I  must  tell  you. 
Did  you  guess  I  cared  for  her?  No,  that  isn't  the  word  ; 
I  love  her,  and  I  was  jealous  and  miserable,  and  I 
could  n't  help  speaking.  But  —  " 

"There  is  some  one  else.  They  have  always  been  to- 
gether." 

"Oh,  no,  it  is  not  that !  She  doesn't  love  any  one; 
she  told  me  so  frankly  ;  and  she  has  a  curious  shrinking 
from  all  these  things.  That  is  my  great  comfort.  And  I 
am  glad  now  that  I  did  speak,  for  it  will  stay  in  her  mind. 
O  Fay,  I  would  wait  a  lifetime  for  her  !  " 

Fay  kissed  him,  but  her  heart  was  full  of  sadness. 

"  She  knows  we  all  love  her,  and  that  I  do  mean  to 
wait.  Of  course  we  are  both  j'ouug,  and  she  is  so  inno- 
cent. I  believe  she  does  n't  really  understand.  Some 
time  it  will  come  to  her." 

"O  Eugene,  I  am  afraid  — "  How  could  she  shatter 
his  dream  ?  Some  womanly  prescience  seemed  to  forbid 
all  hope  if  Kathie  had  answered. 

"  Fay,  I  think  you  might  find  out  a  little  for  me  ;  you 
see  so  much  of  her.  You  need  not  really  ask  her  anything, 
you  know,  but  girls  can  judge  each  other  more  truly,  I 
think.  And  if  you  could  impress  her  with  the  certainty 
that  I  should  wait  always,  that  I  should  never  love  any 
one  else  —  " 

His  tone  was  so  beseeching  that  it  pained  her  keenly, 


122  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

If  there  was  anything  she  could  learn  to  comfort  him.  Il 
was  that  he  longed  for  now  ;  he  was  not  able  to  face  with 
any  kind  of  calm  or  reasonable  judgment  the  emotions  he 
took  for  unchanging  verities,  and  that  were  in  themselves 
honest  convictions.  Many  a  love  has  grown  and  strength- 
ened on  this  soil,  and  become  a  worthy  passion. 

"  You  will  try,  Fay?  And  you  must  go  on  just  as  be- 
fore. I  don't  want  our  nice  social  times  spoiled.  I  don't 
want  any  one  to  feel  hard  toward  her,"  he  explained, 
with  a  lover's  loyalty.  "  She  isn't  to  blame,  you  know. 
She  has  been  friendly,  and  all  that,  not  holding  out  a  real 
hope,  or  I  should  not  have  asked  so  soon." 

"  That  puzzles  me  a  little,"  Fay  answered  softly.  "  If 
you  saw  no  hope  —  " 

"  You  must  understand  that  she  wasn't  thinking  about 
such  a  thing,  and  how  could  she  know  I  was,  until  I  told 
her?  I  wanted  a  chance  before  she  began  to  care  for  any 
one  else  ;  for  she  really  does  n't  love  any  one." 

Fay  sighed.  She  did  not  feel  angry  with  Kathie,  but  to 
her  the  case  looked  quite  hopeless  ;  and  she  upbraided  fate, 
not  knowing  where  else  to  lay  the  blame,  that  it  should 
have  tossed  Eugene's  heart  to  the  feet  of  a  girl  who  had  so 
much  love  on  every  side  that  she  could  hardly  esteem  it  a 
treasure. 

"  I  will  do  my  best,  but  oh,  Eugene,  if  nothing  should 
come  of  it ! " 

"  There  must,  some  time,"  in  a  confident  tone. 

"  Children,"  exclaimed  their  mother  as  she  sauntered  out 
on  the  piazza,  "  are  you  not  tired?  Fay  must  be,  I  know  ; 
it  has  been  an  engrossing  day  for  her.  Louise  has  already 
retired." 

It  was  a  gentle  reminder,  and  not  unwelcome  to  Fay. 
Eugene  was  not  in  a  state  to  be  strengthened  against  his 
own  wishes.  She  breathed  a  lingering  good  night  and 
slipped  away. 

Kathie  wondered  the  next  morning  how  she  should  ever 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  123 

meet  any  of  the  Collamores.  Fate  ordained  that  she  should 
not  be  kept  long  in  suspense. 

She  drove  in  town  with  Uncle  Robert  to  visit  the  library. 
Just  as  he  was  handing  her  out  of  the  phaeton,  Mrs.  Col- 
lanaore  and  Fay  crossed  the  street. 

"Are  you  going  in  to  inspect  the  pictures?"  inquired 
the  elder  lady.  "  Mr.  Collamore  told  us  they  were  hung 
yesterday.  I  am  sure  we  are  delighted  to  meet  you."  And 
she  smiled  winningly. 

Kathie  flushed  with  uncomfortable  recollections.  She 
felt,  by  some  intuitive  process,  that  Fay  knew  her  secret. 

The  library  building  was  quite  an  ornament  to  Brook- 
side.  There  was  a  handsome,  wide  entrance,  and  a  hall  for 
concerts  and  lectures  on  the  lower  floor,  while  the  library 
and  reading-rooms  were  above.  A  very  fair  collection  of 
books  lined  the  shelves,  and  the  arched  windows,  with 
stained-glass  borders,  gave  it  a  rather  antique  effect.  The 
long  alcoves  at  either  end  were  fitted  up  as  reading-rooms, 
the  tables  filled  with  magazines  and  pamphlets,  and  the 
arm-chairs  standing  around  with  an  aspect  of  ease  and 
leisure. 

In  one  of  these  alcoves  the  pictures  had  been  hung. 
Quite  a  choice  collection  of  steel  engravings  and  photo- 
graphs, some  fine  portraits,  and  a  few  oil  paintings. 

"  I  suppose  you  saw  so  many  galleries  abroad  that  this 
—  shall  I  call  it  humble  effort  ?  —  will  hardly  be  a  treat," 
said  Mrs.  Collamore,  addressing  Kathie.  "  I  miss  the  city 
so  much  in  this  respect ;  still  we  have  the  beautiful,  ever- 
varying  world  without. 

"  I  do  not  believe  my  being  abroad  spoiled  me  for  any 
true  enjoyment,"  the  young  girl  answered  quickly.  "  And 
then,"  with  a  rather  arch  smile,  "  I  am  not  a  trained  critic : 
the  little  things  please  me  as  well  as  the  great  ones." 

"  I  am  glad  to  have  this  place  started  here,  and  I  hope 
the  young  people  will  improve  it.  I  like  to  have  them 
interested  in  something  above  the  mere  pleasures  of  youth. 


124  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

It  is  laj'ing  a  foundation  for  something  that  you  can  enjoy 
in  after  }'ears,  when  dancing  and  lawn-tennis  pall." 

There  was  a  soft  rustle  on  the  stairs  and  Mrs.  Adams 
joined  the  party.  Mr.  Conover  came  forward  to  speak  to 
her,  and  the  three  elders  formed  a  group.  Fay  went  to 
view  a  photograph  of  statuary,  and  as  Kathie  stood  alone, 
her  cheeks  grew  hot  and  her  pulses  throbbed  with  a  sense 
of  guiltiness.  It  was  so  unusual  for  them  to  keep  apart, 
she  was  afraid  Mrs.  Collamore  would  remark  it. 

Could  she  go  over  to  Fay?  She  made  an  effort,  but  her 
very  step  seemed  to  protest. 

Fay  acknowledged  her  presence  with  a  little  inclination 
of  the  head,  then  began  to  talk  in  the  rapid  way  people 
often  use  to  shelter  an  embarrassment. 

"  I  heard  Mrs.  Langdon  was  to  send  a  picture  of  her 
very  own.  When  she  comes  home  I  am  afraid  I  shall  be 
ashamed  of  my  small  efforts  ;  only,"  with  a  nervous  laugh, 
"  they  interest  me  and  do  not  bore  any  one  else,  as  I  do 
not  insist  upon  being  admired." 

"You  will  find  an  admirer  in  Mrs.  Langdon  I  am  sure, 
and  you  need  never  feel  afraid." 

Then  their  eyes  met.  There  was  a  subtle  consciousness, 
that  could  not  be  hidden  by  commonplaces.  All  the  hon- 
esty in  Kathie's  soul  rose  to  the  surface.  She  could  not 
afford  to  be  misjudged.  Reaching  out,  she  clasped  the  soft 
fingers  in  hers,  and  with  a  tremulous  whisper,  whose  very 
tone  entreated,  murmured  her  plea. 

"O  Fay,  I  am  so  sorry  anything  should  happen  when 
we  were  such  good  friends  !  Are  you  angry  ?  "  For  Fay's 
coldness  was  a  new  experience.  "  He  told  you  —  " 

"  He  was  very  unhappy,  and  sisters  can  divine  changes, 
and  regret  —  " 

"  Do  you  believe,  Fay,  that  I  would  have  won  his  regard 
purposely  ?  I  never  dreamed  of  such  a  thing."  And  Kathie's 
cheeks  glowed  while  her  eyes  were  humid.  "And,"  timidly, 
"  I  should  like  you  to  know  just  how  I  do  feel.  I  cannot 
bear  to  deceive  or  hold  out  any  false  hope  —  " 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  125 

"  I  knew  it  would  be  so  ;  and  we  all  love  you  so  much, 
Kathie." 

There  was  a  mournful  half-reproach  in  the  tone. 

"  I  know."  The  tears  overflowed  Kathie's  eyes  now 
and  beaded  the  long,  dark  lashes.  "  That  makes  it  seem 
so  much  worse.  I  want  to  be  true  and  honest.  You 
would  not  have  me  give  a  half-promise  that  I  could  not 
keep?" 

Fay  mentally  berated  herself  for  being  so  poor  a  cham- 
pion. She  was  not  trying  at  all.  It  was  a  miserable, 
hopeless  case ;  and  yet  Kathie  was  so  sweet.  She  did 
covet  her  for  Eugene,  for  them  all. 

Kathie  wanted  to  fling  her  arms  around  Fay's  neck  and 
cry,  but  she  steadied  her  voice  with  a  great  effort 

"  Since  I  have  given  the  offence,"  she  said,  "you  must 
decide  the  rest.  I  should  be  sorry  to  make  any  change, 
but  I  know  this  hurts  you  as  well  'as  Eugene,  and  if  you 
would  like  me  to  keep  quite  away  —  " 

"  No,  don't  let  it  make  any  trouble  or  break  between 
us";  and  Fay  seized  Kathie's  hand.  "They  would  all 
know  something  had  happened.  I  think  Eugene  will  get 
over  it,  and  realize  that  if  you  could  not  love  him  it  was 
more  honorable  to  sa}r  so  at  first,  —  only  it  must  be  very 
hard,  when  you  love  any  one."  And  Fay's  Madonna  face 
was  pitifully  sympathetic. 

"It  is  very  hard  to  refuse,  as  well.  If  it  could  be  un- 
said ;  and  if  we  were  only  on  the  safe  ground  of  friend- 
ship, —  since  I  care  so  much  for  you  all." 

Fay  began  to  realize  that  the  pain  had  not  all  been  on 
Eugene's  side.  Kathie  had  a  tender,  generous  heart ;  she 
could  even  imagine  her  giving  the  best  of  herself  to 
save  another  pain.  With  her  utmost  endeavor  she  must 
still  be  impartial,  understand  intuitively  that  a  space  of 
this  kind  could  not  be  bridged  over. 

"  Let  us  go  on  as  before,"  she  made  answer.  "  I 
cannot  give  up  my  friend,  and  the  explanation  would  be 


126  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

extremely  awkward.  No  one  will  understand  just  what 
has  occurred  except  Eugene  and  you  and  I." 

"  Thank  you,"  Kathie  made  answer  gratefully. 

"  WeH,  young  ladies,  have  you  settled  the  merits  and 
demerits?"  asked  Mrs.  Adams,  in  her  bright,  friendly 
tone.  "  I  think  it  quite  a  beginning.  Miss  Fay,  yon 
ought  to  send  one  of  your  flower  pieces  ;  and  Miss  Kathie 
does  a  little  in  that  line.  We  can  afford  to  encourage 
native  artists,  as  we  have  no  picture  galleries  or  bric-a- 
brac  shops.  And  your  audiences  will  be  rather  plain,  un- 
critical people,  who  will  delight  in  a  rose  if  it  looks  like  its 
sister  rose  in  our  gardens.  Kathie,  we  have  just  had  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Langdon.  They  are  in  Rome  again,  but 
rather  homesick.  We  shall  see  them  back  presently."  And 
there  was  a  bit  of  humorous  triumph  in  her  tone. 

This  monologue  gave  the  girls  a  chance  to  recover  their 
equanimity,  and  the  conversation  merged  into  a  general 
talk  as  they  continued  their  inspection.  There  were  other 
subjects  as  well,  —  the  picnic,  the  Orphans'  Home,  — and 
finally  Mrs.  Adams  declared  she  had  spent  a  most  pleas- 
ant morning,  and  must  go,  begging  the  girls  to  come  over, 
as  Georgie  was  complaining  of  them. 

Mrs.  Collamore  had  a  little  shopping  to  do,  but  said 
Fay  might  remain  if  she  chose. 

Fay  preferred  to  accompany  her  mother,  and  remem- 
bered an  errand  or  two.  They  parted  cordially,  Mrs. 
Collamore  begging  that  Kathie  would  not  neglect  them. 

Mr.  Conover  bowed  graciously. 

"A  rather  fortunate  rencontre,"  said  he.  "  The  sooner 
one  gets  over  the  awkwardness  of  such  an  episode  the  bet- 
ter. You  and  Fay  had  an  explanation,  I  fancied.  I  hope 
the  young  man  has  not  made  it  a  family  matter." 

"  Oh,  no  !  I  am  not  sure  but  Fay  has  suspected  for  some 
time,  —  and  it  would  have  pleased  her  so,"  with  a  bright 
blush.  "But  I  am  very  sorry.  It  is  so  hard  to  justify 
one's  self." 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  127 

' '  Do  not  discuss  it  any  more  than  you  can  possibly 
nelp.  I  hope  Eugene  will  use  a  little  common-sense  in  the 
matter." 

"  But  it  is  very  hard  for  him." 

"  Be  careful  of  too  much  pity,  my  little  girl,  if  you  do 
not  intend  to  love." 

It  seemed  to  Kathie  that  the  sky,  heretofore  so  sunny 
and  enchanting,  was  being  dimmed  by  shadows. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

EUGENE  COLLAMORE  was  too  manly  to  carry  his  heart  on 
his  sleeve.  He  knew  that  would  not  be  the  way  to  win 
Kathie's  respect,  —  and  win  her  he  meant  to  do.  In  spite 
of  Fay's  gentle  admonition,  he  would  not  admit  discourage- 
ment, only  delay ;  and,  though  both  were  rather  em- 
barrassed at  their  first  meeting,  they  were  too  well-bred  to 
suggest  by  any  marked  conduct  that  a  secret  was  in  their 
keeping. 

As  the  season  went  on,  gayeties  increased.  Georgie 
Halford  took  the  lead  in  pleasures  and  was  quite  a  belle. 

Then  the  word  came  that  Mrs.  Meredith  had  a  little 
daughter.  Charlie  was  very  enthusiastic,  and  Kathie  took 
a  trip  to  the  city  to  shop  a  little,  and  be  present  at  the 
christening.  The}'  had  so  many  plans  to  settle.  Every- 
body was  coming  home,  —  Brookside  alwaj's  stood  for  that, 
—  Gen.  Mackenzie  and  Aunt  Ruth ;  and  Bruce  had  ap- 
plied for  leave  of  absence  ;  and  the  Langdons. 

"And  if  we  could  have  Rob,  and  Fred  Lauriston,"  said 
Charlie,  "  the  circle  would  be  complete." 

"  We  shall  try  hard  for  Rob,"  declared  Kathie. 

Some  carious  change  had  come  over  Charlie  Darrell. 
The  outer  garment  of  boyishness  had  dropped  off,  and  he 
was  a  man,  gentle,  deferent,  and  protecting,  but  with  a 
strength  that  seemed  to  raise  him  to  a  finer  height.  At 
first  it  gave  Kathie  a  little  feeling  of  awe,  then  a  touch  of 
fascination. 

One  evening,  as  they  were  sitting  together,  she  spoke  of 
it.  He  smiled,  while  a  bright  tenderness  irradiated  his 
face. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  129 

"The  old  evolution,  Kathie,  that  St  Paul  experienced 
among  his  many  transitions.  '  When  I  became  a  man,  I  put 
away '  or  slipped  out  of  childish  things,  — the  unreasoning 
faiths,  hopes,  beliefs.  Something  stronger  and  higher  comes 
to  take  their  place.  And  when  a  man  has  chosen  from  all 
the  great  aims  of  the  world  that  of  a  work  for  God  and  his 
fellow- men  it  does  bring  with  it  a  more  reverent  seriousness. 
A  true  life  of  faith  and  service  must  make  itself  felt :  the 
sincere  desire  to  help,  even  if  it  be  only  in  one  little  corner, 
cannot  but  ennoble  any  soul ;  and  I  must  try  to  do  my 
part,  not  merely  taking  up  what  comes  to  me,  but  going 
out  to  find  it." 

"  It  troubles  me  sometimes"  ;  and  Kathie  glanced  up  in 
perplexity.  "  There  is  so  much  living  without  any  direct 
aim,  any  appearance  of  being  in  earnest.  How  can  we 
always  remember  ?  And  how  much  is  to  go  to  daily  mat- 
ters and  pleasures  ?  " 

His  pulses  stirred  at  the  sight  of  the  sweet,  questioning 
eyes.  Would  it  be  his  delight  as  the  years  went  on  to 
direct  them  ? 

"  There  are  so  many  phases  of  spiritual  and  material  life 
that  seem  to  clash,  that  fail  to  accord  with  our  best  thought 
of  it ;  and  yet  God  is  working  through  it  all ;  and  as  he  sifts 
and  winnows  it,  the  golden  grains  shine  out.  Even  when 
we  do  not  stop  to  gather  them,  they  are  there,  and  God 
builds  slowly  with  them.  If  we  could  remember  that  relis 
gion  was  the  complete  whole,  the  sum  of  life,  instead  of 
detached  fragments,  not  to  be  garnered  up  in  one  season. 
We  can  give  always  without  any  lack ;  and  he  accepts  the 
least,  the  cup  of  cold  water,  in  his  name." 

"  You  will  bring  great  comfort,"  she  said  slowly,  won- 
dering how  much  she  might  take  to  herself.  "  Good  tid- 
ings of  great  joy." 

"  As  if  all  religion  is  not  this,  —  a  great  joy  here  amid 
all  the  sorrows  and  perplexities,  but  the  greatest  of  all  in 
the  other  country,  where  all  the  mistakes  are  set  straight, 
9 


130  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

all  the  tangles  smoothed  out.  I  think  I  like  best  St.  Johrfs 
portion,  the  religion  of  peace  and  comfort,  and  it  shall  be 
my  highest  endeavor  to  bring  it  to  the  worn  and  weary." 

"  I  wish  you  and  Sarah  Strong  knew  each  other  real 
well,"  said  Kathie :  k'you  are  both  so  in  earnest;  you 
both  see  so  many  things  to  do.  It  will  be  '  living  in  the 
midst.' " 

"And  you  are  not  to  be  crowded  out,"  he  re  plied,  with  a 
sudden  heart  beat. 

She  sighed  softly,  yet  it  had  no  wider  meaning  than  the 
very  words  :  she  was  not  searching  for  possibilities. 

But  to  him  it  seemed  very  certain.  While  she  waited 
all  unknowingly  the  future  was  shaping  itself  about  her. 
There  was  the  stir  and  unrest  of  the  transition  period, 
like  the  quickening  breezes  of  spring  that  shake  wildly 
about  all  the  earl}7  fragrances  and  leave  them  to  settle 
later  in  summer  sweetness.  When  she  understood  she 
would  take  it  up  reverentty,  gladly,  just  as  she  had  ac- 
cepted the  truths  of  childhood  and  translated  them  into 
larger  language. 

He  remembered  with  a  thrill  one  thing  she  had  said.  — 
that  he  had  changed.  The  few  words  uttered  by  his  mother 
in  that  brief  visit  home,  though  with  no  direct  reference  to 
this  result,  had  lain  and  brooded  in  his  soul  until  crystal- 
lized into  definite  shape.  Every  day  he  was  coming  nearer 
the  measure  of  a  man,  the  self-knowledge  of  needs  and 
capacities.  He  had  never  lived  any  part  of  life  alone,  but 
grown  up  in  the  centre  of  a  family,  with  all  the  assistance 
and  comfort  of  tenderest  home  life  broadened  by  the  most 
generous  outlook.  It  was  natural  to  imagine  the  years 
going  on  to  the  new  centre, —  dearest  of  all  with  the  other 
soul  in  it.  He  was  too  refined  and  too  reserved1  to  give  it 
any  new  name  at  present,  but  he  lingered  over  it  with  the 
luxury  of  a  gardener  tending  some  strange  and  choice 
plant.  It  had  absolutely  nothing  to  do  with  passion  ;  and 
there  was  no  touch  of  jealousy,  no  fear  of  loss,  and  no 
unrest. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  131 

By  this  new  knowledge  of  himself  he  judged  her.  He 
put  away  the  sweet,  frank  unconsciousness  of  boy-and-girl 
friendship,  when  a  caress  counts  for  nothing  but  the  out- 
come of  youthful  gladness.  She,  too,  was  putting  away 
unknowingly  many  little  things.  He  had  seen  it  all 
through  the  visit,  —  the  fine  sense  of  self-appropriation 
that  dawns  with  womanhood ;  the  intangible  reserve  of 
one's  self,  holding  the  sweetness  folded  instead  of  scatter- 
ing it  about.  He  had  never  remarked  these  fine  and  rare 
delicacies  in  her  before,  and  took  it  for  a  sure  sign.  Not 
knowing  the  other  episode,  he  interpreted  the  subtle  change 
to  mean  what  was  simplest  and  most  easily  understood  by 
his  own  soul. 

"  It  was  such  a  restful  visit,"  Kathie  said  afterward  to 
her  mother.  "  There  was  no  company  and  little  going  out, 
except  delightful  walks  with  Charlie  ;  and  he  is  so  serene. 
Carlyle,  you  know,  bids  people  be  thankful  who  have  found 
their  work  ;  and  he  has  truly.  It  seems  such  a  grand  thing 
to  have  such  aims  constantly  before  one.  As  Grandma 
Darrell  says,  he  does  appear  '  set  apart.'" 

"Yes." 

There  was  a  soft,  motherly  sigh  as  Mrs.  Alston  studied 
her  daughter.  This  tranquil  young  life  had  always  touched 
her  with  a  jealous  nearness,  —  a  kind  of  coveting,  as  if  she 
longed  to  take  it  in  with  her  own  rather  turbulent  boy. 
It  might  come  in  another  way,  —  a  sonship  and  kinship, 
dear  almost  as  that  of  birth. 

"  I  think  it  the  noblest  of  all  callings  ;  and  he  is  pecul- 
iarly fitted  for  it.  Being  in  the  fold  is  the  very  heart  and 
centre  of  the  work  for  God  and  man  ;  and  if  one  is  heav- 
enly minded  there  can  be  no  conflicts.  It  is  an  every-day 
preparation  for  the  other  world,"  she  continued. 

A  rift  of  softened  light  fluttered  over  Kathie's  face  like 
a  cloud  at  daybreak. 

"  I  can't  imagine  Charlie  anything  else,  unless  he  were 
an  artist  like  the  old  ones  whose  memory  is  kept  sacred 


132  WHOM    KATHIE    MAKRIED. 

abroad,  who  painted  Christs  and  Madonnas  because  their 
faith  and  fervor  were  so  real :  they  never  thought  of  money 
or  fame." 

"  A  letter  for  you  "  ;  and  Uncle  Robert  entered  the  room. 

It  was  from  Sarah.  She  and  Kathie  were  frequent 
correspondents  in  these  days.  The  engagement  was  not 
declared  as  yet,  though  the  marriage  was  to  be  early  in 
September. 

"  It  does  n't  seem  quite  true  and  honest  to  shelter  myself 
under  Cousin  Ellen's  wing,"  wrote  Sarah;  "but  it  does 
spare  us  both  the  comments  and  gossip  of  this  small  place. 
It  is  true  that  among  the  women  here  some  one  might  be 
better  fitted  for  the  position ;  but  after  seeing  and  know- 
ing them,  he  has  chosen  me.  And  why  then  should  I 
shrink  from  accepting  his  love  and  his  life,  if  I  do  it  rev- 
erently, resolving  with  God's  help  to  do  the  best  I  can? 
But  it  is  the  old,  old  stxwy,  — the  pulling  down  instead  of 
building  up,  the  thrusting  out  instead  of  gathering  in.  I 
realize  that  Mr.  Truesdell  will  be  pitied  for  not  looking 
higher,  and  that  I  shall  be  treated  with  a  distant  toleration, 
—  as  if  I  had  climbed  a  social  fence  and  entered  a  field 
in  which  I  had  no  right.  There  will  be  plenty  of  work  to  do 
in  the  church  as  well  as  out.  I  wonder  why  religion  must 
put  on  the  garb  of  ungraciousness,  for  man}'  of  these  peo- 
ple are  really  striving  to  do  right  in  most  things.  I  am 
afraid  too  often  we  make  our  own  religion,  instead  of  tak- 
ing that  of  our  Saviour.  Can  I  live  down  the  little  stings, 
keep  patient  and  serene,  for  his  sake,  and  let  my  life  show 
the  manner  of  soul  that  is  in  me  ? 

"This  train  of  thought  came  from  a  disagreeable  com- 
ment that  was  made  about  Mr.  Truesdell  marrying  Cousin 
Ellen.  And  he  asked  me  then  if  I  would  rather  go  to 
some  other  place  and  begin  my  life  with  him  among 
strangers.  It  was  ver}r  kind  in  him  to  give  me  a  choice, 
was  it  not?  What  would  you  have  answered? 

"I  thought  of   the  time  so  long  ago  when  the  girls 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  133 

laughed  at  mother,  and  you  stood  by  your  colors.  If  you 
had  not  taken  me  in  hand  I  should  not  have  been  fit  for 
this  place,  and  no  voice  might  ever  havo  said,  '  Friend, 
come  up  higher.'  Perhaps  there  was  some  pride  in  it,  and 
a  touch  of  belligerency  that  took  away  the  sense  of  being 
hurt  and  made  me  brave. 

"  '  We  will  stay  here,'  I  answered,  '  until  you  consider 
your  work  done.  Since  you  want  me  in  your  life  we  wiK. 
not  worry  about  what  other  people  think  ought  to  be  in  it.' 

"  He  smiled,  and  I  think  he  was  greatly  pleased.  '  A 
man  of  my  habit  and  temperament,'  said  he,  '  seldom  takes 
a  step  like  this  without  consideration,  though  I  believe 
ministers'  marriages  always  provoke  criticism.  I  want 
your  freshness  and  vigor  and  strength  ;  and  the  comfort  of 
3-0111-  love  is  like  a  late  blossoming  to  my  shady  life.  Yet 
even  you  might  do  better.  When  you  are  in  the  prime  of 
life  I  shall  be  an  elderly  man.  Never  think  there  has 
been  any  sacrifice  on  my  part.  For  myself,  I  believe  what 
God  has  equalized  in  heart  and  soul  and  brain  can  never 
be  subject  to  petty  social  distinctions  ;  but  I  want  you  to 
be  happy.' 

"  And  I  am  happy.  There  must  always  be  a  between 
and  a  higher  round.  But  it  seems  so  narrow  and  cruel  to 
desire  to  crowd  out  your  neighbors.  O  Kathie,  are  people 
always  fighting  their  way  up  ?  When  will  they  be  made  wel- 
come to  a  broad  and  generous  level?  Do  we  not  truly  be- 
long to  the  heights  we  can  reach  ?  If  so,  no  one  has  a  right 
to  pull  us  down. 

' '  I  think  all  this  has  brought  us  nearer.  There  must 
always  be  a  solemn  awe  to  a  great  and  unexpected  love ; 
but  I  am  learning  of  how  much  service  I  can  really  be  to 
Mr.  Truesdell.  I  am  so  thankful  for  my  health  and  energy, 
and  the  many  things  I  have  learned  ;  and  I  shall  stand  on 
one  of  the  '  betweens  '  with  him  and  stretch  out  my  hands 
to  any  one  who  will  come.  I  have  learned  this  one  lesson 
never  to  forget." 


134  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Kathie  read  most  of  the  letter  aloud. 

"  I  think  it  quite  too  bad  and  foolish ! "  cried  Kathie 
indignantly.  "  Sarah  is  really  well  educated,  and  a  good 
musician.  In  many  places  she  would  be  a  noticeable  girl ; 
and  I  do  not  believe  many  women  in  Middleville  are  better 
fitted  for  a  clergyman's  wife.  It  seems  very  unjust  to  be 
compelled  to  make  a  fight  for  respect  when  one  is  so  worthy 
of  it." 

Mrs.  Alston  smiled  a  little.  "  No  doubt  there  is  some 
jealousy  among  those  who  do  account  themselves  worthy 
of  the  position,"  said  she.  "A  minister  choosing  out  of 
his  own  congregation  seldom  fails  to  stir  up  strife  and 
envy." 

"  Mamma,  do  you  not  think  it  very  unworthy  of  women? 
Could  they  thrust  another  out  and  put  themselves  in? 
What  would  become  of  the  preference  of  love?  And  Sarah 
is  liked  ever  so  much.  You  would  be  surprised  at  the  nice 
invitations  she  receives.  And  the  Strongs  do  live  pictu- 
resquely pretty.  The  children  are  growing  up  quiet,  and 
have  nice  manners,  and  Mrs.  Strong's  odd  phrases  and 
disregard  of  grammar  have  a  quaint  sound.  She  tries  to 
please  Sarah,  too,  only  she  never  will  be  able  to  under- 
stand the  harmony  of  colors."  And  a  mirthful  smile  crossed 
Kathie's  face. 

"  I  think  Sarah  will  conquer  all  opposition  as  time  goes 
on.  Mr.  Truesdell  is  a  brave  man  to  take  what  he  wants, 
deliberately,  and  let  others  see  the  suitableness  at  their 
pleasure.  I  am  glad  the}'  have  decided  to  remain  and  live 
down  silly  prejudices,  though  it  seems  to  me  he  might 
have  a  more  congenial  place.  Uncle  Kobert  thinks  him  a 
very  earnest  and  scholarly  man.  I  almost  wonder  at  his 
settling  in  such  a  little  country  village." 

"  His  wife  had  just  died,  and  I  suppose  he  was  full  of 
trouble  and  grief.  Then,  mamma,  the  parsonage  is  a 
pretty  old  house,  almost  like  an  English  picture,  with  a 
garden  full  of  roses,  and  a  great  oak-tree  right  at  the  gate. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  135 

Sarah  will  make  lovely  living  there,  I  know.     I  really  long 
to  see  her  its  mistress." 

Indeed,  Kathie  was  so  interested  in  the  new  phase  of 
affairs  that  she  drove  up  to  school  one  afternoon  and  took 
Sarah  out  for  a  regular  girl's  confidence.  Middle ville  was 
at  its  best  estate.  Farm  and  meadow  lands  were  filled 
with  promising  crops,  belts  of  woodland  stood  up  straight 
and  tall  in  their  mingled  shades  of  green,  and  the  distant 
range  of  hills  told  of  suggestive  hollows  and  nooks  of 
dream}7  glory.  The  faded  houses  and  barns  were  mel- 
lowed by  shadowy  lines  and  changing  reflections,  and  oc- 
casionally through  an  open  doorway  one  saw  a  bit  of  in- 
terior with  the  homely  charm  artists  love. 

Sarah  was  bright  and  joyous,  though  the  day's  teaching 
had  not  been  all  smooth  sailing ;  but  her  vitality  had  the 
force  of  perfect  health,  and  her  employment  that  of  satis- 
faction. 

"  How  delightful  of  you  to  come  !  "  she  cried.  "I  am 
nearly  always  thinking  of  you,  but  I  try  to  remember  your 
many  claims,  knowing  that  you  cannot  divide  and  subdi- 
vide yourself,  so  the  farthest  must  be  content  with  an  oc 
casional  ray." 

Kathie  studied  the  uplifted  face  with  its  clear,  blue  eyes, 
the  masses  of  hair  framing  it  in  like  an  aureola,  soft,  shin- 
ing, waving  in  loose,  irregular  lines  upon  the  white  fore- 
head. Not  a  common  face,  even  if  it  lacked  the  elements 
of  beauty ;  for  it  had  been  glorified  by  the  secret  of  true 
living,  the  companionship  of  broad  and  generous  resolve, 
taking  each  day  in  a  firm  grasp  and  extracting  whatever 
sweetness  it  held,  with  no  fear  that  there  would  be  a  lack 
to-morrow. 

"  How  happy  you  are  !  "  Kathie  exclaimed,  impulsively. 

"  Yes,  I  am,"  with  a  confident  and  grateful  ring  to  her 
voice.  "  And  yet,"  smilingly,  "  didn't  I  write  you  a  lu- 
gubrious letter?  I  was  afraid  afterward  that  you  might 
think  me  weak  to  cry  out  at  the  first  thorn  that  pricked." 


136  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"It  is  a  pity,  it  is  unjust,  that  there  should  be  thorns 
of  that  kind,"  was  the  firm  rejoinder. 

"  Yet  the  thorns  may  be  set  as  a  sign  to  make  one  go 
more  carefully.  I  used  to  think  at  first  that  his  life  and 
happiness,"  with  a  tender  inflection  in  her  tone,  "  were  the 
great  things  I  had  to  consider.  You  see  it  seemed  wonder- 
ful that  he  should  want  me,  —  that  he  thought  me  fit  for  the 
great  highway  where  he  was  to  walk.  When  you  stand  on 
the  top  of  one  peak  and  look  over  to  the  next,  the  glory 
touches  you,  kindles  your  love  and  fervor,  and  you  realize 
that  it  is  going  down  and  coming  up  again  ;  and  there  are 
so  many  things  to  take  hold  of  as  you  go,  —  blossoms  and 
leaves  and  gems,  maybe,  to  gather  up,  —  and  stumbles,  and 
a  little  roughness,  thorns  perhaps,  but  all  the  time  it  is 
going  on  ;  and  you  never  do  lose  sight  of  the  other  great 
glory,  towards  which  you  are  pressing.  If  there  were  no 
valleys,  there  would  be  no  mountain-tops ;  and  could  we 
always  endure  the  level  of  the  plain  ?  " 

"You  are  not  afraid  of  the  thorns  now?"  Kathie 
asked  quickly. 

"  I  shall  be  careful  of  them,  but  I  am  tr3Ting  not  to  be 
afraid,  nor  to  run  into  them  heedlessly.  We  all  know  Mr. 
Truesdell  might  have  paid  more  deference  to  position.  I 
was  born  here,  and  ran  about  an  ignorant  countoy  girl ;  but 
when  one  fits  one's  self  for  something  better,  and  it  comes, 
why  should  one  refuse  it?  Why  should  others  seek  to 
thrust  you  out  of  what  you  have  won  ? "  and  her  face 
flushed  with  emotion.  "  When  he  first  asked  me,  I  was 
surprised  and  overwhelmed  with  a  strange  humility ;  and 
then  I  think  some  one  might  have  pushed  me  aside  for 
very  fear.  Then  he  showed  me  what  I  had  to  give, — 
health,  energy,  and  spirit,  help  everywhere,  at  home,  with 
the  children,  keeping  a  comfortable  and  restful  place. 
That  was  partly  your  teaching.  All  the  days  will  not  be 
Sundays,  even  if  we  are  doing  God's  work.  He  put  the 
six  days  between,  the  six  days  of  trying  and  the  one  of 
rest." 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  137 

"  O  Sarah,  you  have  gone  far  beyond  anything  I  ever 
taught  you  !  "  cried  Kathie  in  all  humility. 

"  With  two  such  teachers  I  ought  to  come  to  compre- 
hensive knowledge  "  ;  and  she  smiled  with  rare  sweetness. 
' '  At  first  I  felt  quite  inclined  to  glorify  my  —  Mr.  Truesdell. 
I  had  never  counted  on  marriage,  or  speculated  about  love, 
so  it  was  very  new  and  strange.  It  is  odd  to  be  asked  to 
stop  and  rest  when  one  has  mapped  out  one's  life  as  a  con- 
tinual march  ;  not  that  we  shall  loiter  very  much,"  smil- 
ingly, "  but  we  shall  be  among  the  wells  of  water  and  the 
trees  of  palm  ;  and  we  have  come  to  this  freedom  between 
us,  —  he  is  to  tell  me  when  I  go  wrong,  when  I  do  little 
things  that  might  hurt  or  jar,  and  I  am  not  to  be  troubled 
about  what  others  say.  I  shall  have  his  great  love  and  the 
comfort  he  will  take  for  my  reward.  I  shall  not  go  out 
to  meet  cares  or  phantoms,  but  stay  in  safe  paths  with 
him." 

That  was  the  entire  faith  of  love.  How  could  one  be 
sure  of  the  safe  paths  ? 

There  was  a  slight  bend  in  the  road,  and  they  came  out 
by  the  parsonage.  The  little  girls  were  playing  tea  under 
a  great  rose-bush. 

"  O  Kathie,"  Sarah  began,  "  I  wonder  if  I  shall  always 
be  just  to  the  children  and  not  try  to  crowd  them  out  of 
their  father's  heart :  they  were  there  before  I  was." 

"  But  you  do  love  children,  and  you  have  been  with  them 
all  your  life." 

"  Yes,  I  could  not  teach  if  I  did  not  love  them,  for  chil- 
dren are  often  very  tiying  ;  and  some  really  good  women 
fail  of  being  good  step-mothers.  I  wonder  why  ?  If  we 
take  anything  else  on  conditional  terms  we  try  to  respect 
the  terms.  So  you  see  there  will  be  many  things  to  study, 
and  claims  to  balance  within  as  well  as  without.  They  are 
shy  little  things,  and  have  never  been  to  school.  Their 
mother  was  delicate  and  refined,  and  I  fancy  rather  proud 
of  position,  and  all  that.  It  is  a  pretty  old  house,  is  it  not? 


138  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

and  yet  it  has  always  seemed  a  sad  place  to  me,  perhaps 
because  I  have  always  connected  it  with  two  motherless 
children.  O  Kathie,  I  wonder  if  I  can  win  them  to  love 
me  :  step-mothers  are  always  looked  upon  with  disfavor ; 
and  they  are  old  enough  to  know." 

"Love  you?  They  could  not  help  it,"  cried  Kathie, 
eagerly  ;  and  as  she  looked  at  the  earnest,  glowing  face, 
she  felt  if  she  ever  needed  some  one  strong  and  comforting 
in  any  great  perplexity  Sarah  would  be  that  friend. 

"You  are  so  generous:  do  you  think  me  weak  with 
the  weakest?  "  and  she  gave  a  bright  little  laugh.  "  I  shall 
tire  you  of  myself  and  love  ;  but  one  comfort  is  that  it  is 
new  to  every  one,  just  as  is  the  dawn,  though  we  see  it 
every  day." 

"  You  could  not  tire  me  with  anything  you  might  sa}r ; 
and  I  am  so  glad  to  have  you  happy.  Yet  when  it  comes 
to  one's  own  self,  what  a  solemn  thing  it  seems,  to  say 
what  can  never  be  unsaid.  If  one  should  make  a  mis- 
take." 

She  let  her  thoughts  revert  a  moment  to  Eugene  Colla- 
more.  No  ;  centuries  of  waiting  could  not  make  love  on 
her  part. 

"I  suppose  one  who  realizes  all  the  solemnity  must 
have  some  fear  and  questioning  at  first ;  but  soul  answers 
to  soul.  You  could  not  receive  an  unwelcome  or  inhar- 
monious guest.  It  is  the  peace  and  the  satisfaction  that 
determines  whether  it  rightly  belongs  to  you.  And  when 
it  comes  to  you  I  think  you  will  know.  You  have  been 
the  dearest  of  friends  and  confidantes." 

They  talked  a  little  of  other  matters  and  then  lapsed 
into  contented  silence,  just  glancing  and  smiling  at  some 
lovely  view,  or  a  bit  of  bird- song  that  broke  the  stillness. 
And  all  this  had  come  from  one  small  deed  of  kindliness  : 
the  drawing  in  instead  of  the  crowding  out.  Why  was 
she  not  doing  something  now,  instead  of  idling  away  her 
days  in  pleasure  ?  Then  she  thought  of  Charlie,  and  longed 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  139 

for  him  with  that  curious  sense  of  loneliness  that  sometimes 
pervades  the  soul. 

They  said  good  by  at  length,  and  Kathie  turned  home- 
ward. For  da}-s  afterward  she  was  haunted  by  a  tender 
gravity,  far  removed  from  sadness,  yet  it  seemed  to  bring 
her  nearer  to  all  who  came  in  contact  with  her. 


CHAPTER  XH. 

THE  lovely  summer  day  was  on  the  wane.  Lengthening 
shadows,  a  waft  of  cooler  air,  the  long-cadenced  song  of  a 
homeward  bird,  the  tremulous,  infrequent  chirp  of  a  hidden 
insect  muffled  in  turfy  fragrance  were  suggestions  of  com- 
ing evening.  A  perfect  day,  Charlie  Darrell  had  said  a 
dozen  times. 

He  and  Kathie  had  been  spending  it  together.  In  the 
morning  there  had  been  a  lovely  drive  ;  then  after  dinner 
she  had  swung  in  a  hammock  in  a  shady  place,  while  he, 
stretched  on  the  grass,  recounted  the  last  days  of  study, 
the  examinations,  parting  with  friends,  and  the  sanguine 
plans  of  youth. 

"  I  always  tell  you  everything,"  he  declared  laughingly. 
' '  I  wonder  how  I  managed  to  exist  while  you  were  away  ! 
My  remembrance  of  it  is  as  a  long,  lonesome  time." 

"Thank  you,  "gayly. 

Kathie  had  been  letting  herself  be  quite  free  and  joyous 
this  day.  For  several  weeks  she  had  been  on  guard  every 
moment,  for  she  saw  that,  although  Eugene  Collamore 
held  himself  bravely,  the  fire  still  burned.  He  tried  to  be 
the  same  to  others  and  chaffed  gayly  with  Georgie  Halford  ; 
but  when  his  eyes  turned  to  her,  waiting  and  hoping  were 
written  in  them. 

A  few  days  before  he  had  started  for  Canada  on  some 
business  for  his  father,  accompanied  by  Fay.  Louise  had 
taken  a  new  whim,  —  archaeological  studies  with  Mr.  Huns- 
don.  Jessie  and  the  children  had  come  down  for  the  two 
summer  months.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Langdon  would  be  home 
in  August,  and  Aunt  Ruth  also. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  141 

"  We  will  not  plan  to  go  anywhere,"  said  Kathie  to  her 
mother.  "  I  want  a  lovely  old-time  summer  at  home." 

"  We  must  write  for  Rob,"  Charlie  had  declared. 
"  What  is  he  about?  It -is  always  business  when  he  vouch- 
safes a  brief  note  to  me." 

"Poor  Rob  !  "  Kathie  had  answered  with  a  sigh,  though 
why,  she  could  not  have  told,  as  the  accounts  were  all  to 
his  credit. 

The  letter  was  sent,  and  this  day  the  work  seemed  all 
done.  They  had  ended  their  afternoon  with  a  row  on  the 
shady  side  of  the  lake,  that  dropped  presently  into  a  leis- 
urely floating.  They  sang  old  songs,  said  over  half- for- 
gotten poems,  and  drifted  into  a  subtle,  mysterious  sympa- 
thy. Kathie  let  herself  rest  in  pure  enjoyment :  it  was  so 
good  to  be  at  peace. 

And  now  they  sauntered  up  the  lawn,  she  carrying  her 
hat  full  of  fragrant  pond -lilies,  and  Charlie  holding  her 
blue-lined  parasol  over  her,  that  seemed  to  make  a  bit  of 
azure  sky.  Mrs.  Alston  watched  them,  —  so  young,  so 
pure,  and  sweet,  and  a  vague  desire  ended  in  a  soft  sigh. 

Charlie  waved  his  hand  gallantly. 

"  Come,  truants,"  she  said  tenderly :  "  supper  is  waiting, 
and  I  am  all  alone." 

"  Where  are  Uncle  Rob  and  Freddy?" 

"They  have  driven  over  to  Deerfield,  and  will  not  be 
home  to  tea  ;  and  I  have  heard  from  Rob,  — he  is  almost 
sure  to  be  here  early  in  August." 

"Oh,  how  delightful!"  and  Kathie's  eyes  sparkled. 
"  It  will  be  quite  like  the  old  summer.  Now  if  we  can 
hear  from  Aunt  Ruth  and  Bruce." 

"History  repeating  itself,"  rejoined  Charlie;  and  yet 
would  there  be  any  days  as  perfect  as  this  ? 

"Run  up  to  Fred's  room,  for  of  course  we  cannot  dis- 
pense with  you,"  said  Mrs.  Alston  laughingly. 

He  was  so  much  at  home  here,  and  "  over  at  the  Dar- 
rells' "  was  a  second  home  to  Kathie. 


142  WHOM   KATHIE    MAERIED. 

She  soon  returned,  looking  cool  and  sweet  in  her  fresh, 
white  dress. 

"  Come  down  here,"  said  Mrs.  Alston  to  Charlie  ;  "  \et 
us  be  sociable,  if  we  are  few." 

"How  queer  it  seems  to  have  such  a  small  family  !  I 
shall  be  all  impatience  until  the  rest  come.  I  suppose 
Bruce  has  changed." 

"I  am  not  to  be  crowded  out  of  my  place,"  interrupted 
Charlie  ;  "  mine  is  the  oldest  right." 

"As  if  we  could  forget  that ! "  Kathie  turned  her  soft, 
clear  eyes  full  upon  him,  and  he  felt  a  rift  of  color  mount 
his  brow. 

Afterward  they  went  out  on  the  wide  porch,  while  the 
summer  twilight  faded,  and  the  moon  came  up  amid  her 
golden  host.  They  sang  two  or  three  old  hymns ;  they 
touched  upon  past  memories,  from  whose  simple  begin- 
nings so  much  had  grown,  drawing  them  nearer  in  the 
touches  of  sympathy  and  tender  joy. 

Somewhere  along  that  mysterious  kinship  Mrs.  Alston 
said  "  son."  All  boys  were  dear  to  her  through  her  own  ; 
but  Charlie  Darrell  especially. 

It  was  not  the  first  time  she  had  called  him  that,  but  it 
came  with  a  new  and  deep  meaning.  All  day  the  soft 
light  had  moved  and  stirred  his  soul,  until  creation,  new 
living,  manifested  itself  to  his  thought  a  tender  presence. 
He  reached  over  and  caught  her  hand. 

"  Mother,"  in  the  full,  deep  tone  of  a  great  emotion, 
"  why  should  it  not  be?  Will  you  give  me  the  real  right 
in  the  days  to  come  ?  I  have  always  loved  Kathie ;  she 
is  the  other  part  of  my  new  life,  its  completeness.  I  had 
not  meant  to  ask  so  soon  ;  but  now,  —  now  I  cannot  wait. 
I  want  to  feel  certain  of  my  place  in  your  midst.  Kathie  ! 
Kathie ! " 

She  sat  as  one  in  a  dream.  ' '  The  other  part  of  his  life, 
its  completeness."  She  felt  it  in  some  mysterious  way,  aa 
one  may  have  visions  of  second  sight. 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  143 

"  Kathie !  "  He  drew  her  gently  to  his  heart,  and  she 
felt  it  beat ;  his  pure,  ardent  lips  kissed  the  consciousness 
of  his  love  into  her  soul.  Was  this  what  the  happy  day 
had  presaged  ?  She  did  not  shrink  from  his  tenderness  : 
it  seemed  natural,  right. 

"  She  loves  me  ;  do  you  not,  my  darling?  I  think  we 
have  always  loved  each  other  ;  so  there  is  no  strange  sud- 
denness to  make  us  doubt  or  question.  You  will  keep  her 
for  me,  mother,  safe  and  sweet,  like  a  cloistered  nun,  until 
we  can  begin  our  own  life  together.  God  knows  how  ten- 
der and  careful  I  shall  be  of  her,  — how  we  shall  go  on  our 
way  doing  his  work  all  the  better  that  he  has  given  us  so 
much ;  and,  as  he  trusts  us  first  of  all  with  the  best  and 
choicest  of  human  gifts,  love,  so  we  must  work  to  win  on 
every  side  love  for  him." 

All  the  tenderness  of  Kathie  Alston's  soul  seemed  to 
culminate  in  the  high  tide  that  drifted  her  toward  him. 
She  was  not  thinking  of  time  nor  place.  That  there  was 
anything  singular  in  this  confidence  before  her  mother,  first 
of  all,  never  occurred  to  her.  This  was  not  a  miser's 
treasure  to  gloat  over  in  her  secret  soul,  but  something  to 
be  shared  ;  something  she  could  share,  and  was  glad  so  to 
do. 

"  You  give  her  to  me  ?  " 

He  took  Kathie's  hand  in  his  and  laid  both,  clasped, 
in  Mrs.  Alston's  lap. 

"  She  must  give  herself,  Charlie  ;  I  can  only  ratify  with 
a  mother's  love.  There  is  no  one  with  whom  I  would 
sooner  trust  her.  Kathie,  my  darling?"  in  a  soft,  persua- 
sive tone. 

Did  she  love  him?  Honestly  she  thought  so.  There 
was  no  shrinking  or  reluctance.  The  life  by  his  side 
looked  so  safe,  so  useful.  There  would  be  no  perplexing 
questions  of  duty,  — how  much  for  God  ;  how  much  for  the 
world.  She  was  in  a  curious  state  of  exaltation,  —  the 
emotion  that  makes  one  heroic  in  deed  ;  and  yet  she  felt 


144  WHOM   KATIIIE   MARRIED. 

exceedingly  humble,  — it  was  so  great  and  sacred  a  thing 
to  her. 

"  O  mamma,  if  I  could  be  good  enough !  " 

"  The  little  violet ! "  Charlie  laughed  in  that  happy, 
incredulous  gladness.  "You  are  good,  Kathie ;  you 
always  were,  —  better  than  the  lot  of  us,  way  back  at 
school.  I  think  no  one  could  ever  be  quite  good  enough 
for  you,  when  it  comes  to  that,  but  I  shall  always  try,  God 
helping  me,  to  be  grateful  for  this,  his  choicest  gift.  Let 
this  be  our  betrothal,  under  the  solemn  stars."  And  hi» 
reverent  tone  was  tremulous  with  happiness. 

There  was  a  silence  of  many  moments,  the  three  hands 
clasped  softly  together.  Presently  he  said,  — 

"  I  am  glad  it  has  come  about  in  just  this  way.  \  have 
been  thinking  of  it  for  some  time,  but  I  had  not  meant 
to  speak'  so  soon.  I  have  another  year  before  ordination, 
and  then  I  must  find  a  home  for  my  bonnie  birdie ;  so  it 
must  be  quite  a  long  engagement.  But  you  know  it  all, 
mother  :  we  have  no  secrets  from  you." 

"  I  could  not  give  up  my  darling  on  a  sudden  notice," 
replied  Mrs.  Alston,  kissing  Kathie  with  all  the  fervor 
of  a  mother's  love.  "  I  am  glad  to  have  it  a  long  engage- 
ment :  you  are  both  so  young ;  and  time  will  bring  you 
wisdom  to  make  the  life  what  it  should  be.  I  think  it 
best  —  "  And  she  hesitated  a  moment. 

"  Whatever  you  think  best  we  shall  do,"  Charlie  said 
with  tender  deference. 

"  I  think  it  would  be  better  for  both  of  you  not  to  make 
any  public  announcement  before  another  year :  you  have 
your  studies,  Kathie  has  her  home  duties  and  young  friends  ; 
and  the  tendency  nowadays  is  to  leave  lovers  very  much 
to  themselves.  Let  me  have  her  yet  this  year." 

"  We  will  lock  our  secret  in  your  safe  keeping,"  he  an- 
swered with  a  trustful  inflection  of  tone  ;  "  and  we  will  go 
on  just  the  same  as  before.  We  have  alwaj's  been  such 
friends  that  no  one  will  question.  And  as  I  shall  be  away 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  145 

another  year,  I  should  not  want  my  darling  embarrassed 
by  the  teasing  of  careless  tongues.  It  serves  to  make  it 
more  sacred  :  just  our  own  blessed  knowledge." 

The  sound  of  wheels  came  crunching  up  the  garden 
walk.  Fred's  soft  voice  sounded  in  a  gay  little  laugh. 

Mrs.  Alston  rose.  They  all  came  back  from  that 
enchanting  love-land,  and  the  summer  night  was  the  more 
beautiful  for  their  sojourn. 

"  Have  you  had  supper?" 

' '  What !  at  this  time  of  night,  mother  mine  ?  Why,  I 
should  have  been  brought  home  a  victim  in  my  youth  and 
bloom  if  I  had  not  been  duly  fed.  What  a  small  con- 
clave !  Why  are  not  the  neighbors  sitting  round  ?  The 
porch  looks  lonesome,  melancholy." 

"  If  they  came  you  would  run  away,"  said  Kathie, 
brightly.  "  But  you  don't  know  the  most  joyful  of  all, 
—  Rob  will  be  home  in  August." 

' '  Have  you  heard  ?  "  There  was  such  a  sense  of  relief  in 
Uncle  Robert's  tone. 

From  this  bit  of  news  they  dropped  into  general  conver- 
sation. Charlie  was  in  no  mood  for  ordinary  talk.  A 
sweet,  sacred  spell  enveloped  him  as  a  cloud  ;  he  wanted 
to  dream  over  his  great  happiness  in  solitude.  He  rose 
presently  and  wished  them  a  quiet  good-night.  Kathie 
rose  too  ;  was  it  the  beginning  of  a  new  influence  ?  She 
had  often  walked  down  to  the  gate  with  the  boys,  but  now 
every  pulse  quivered  with  unwonted  emotion. 

' '  O  my  darling  !  Can  I  ever  thank  God  sufficiently  for 
this  great  happiness  ?  " 

"You  are  quite  sure  I  shall  make  you  happy?  " 

She  could  not  consider  herself  in  this  rush  of  tumultuous 
emotion.  Indeed,  when  she  came  to  think  of  it  long  after- 
ward, she  learned  that  she  had  not  considered  herself  at  all. 

"Sure!     O  Kathie !" 

The  gentle  reproach  pained  her  and  settled  her  faith. 
She  would  never  doubt  again. 
10 


146  WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED. 

"  We  may  not  always  desire  what  is  best  for  us,  but  in 
this  matter  I  think  a  man  understands  the  blessedness  of 
getting  what  he  does  want.  There  is  nothing  more  for  me 
to  ask.  Good  night.  God  and  his  angels  have  you  in. 
their  keeping." 

When  she  entered  the  library,  whither  her  mother  and 
Uncle  Robert  had  gone,  there  was  a  blessed  content  in  her 
face. 

"  She  is  very  happy,"  thought  the  mother,  and  was  for 
herself  entirely  satisfied.  Doubt  and  anxiety  were  over, 
and  she  would  keep  her  darling  a  while  longer. 

Kathie  could  not  sleep  ;  yet  it  was  no  nervous  restless- 
ness that  haunted  her  pillow.  She  lay  quiet  and  serene, 
•wondering  that  so  great  a  question  should  be  so  simply 
decided.  So  brief  a  while  ago  she  had  shrunk  from  Eu- 
gene Collamore's  pleading  and  declared  that  she  wanted 
no  change,  and  now  for  her  the  current  of  life  had  turned, 
still  without  any  positive  desire  on  her  part.  It  must  be 
the  right  thing,  or  God  would  not  have  allowed  it  to  come 
in  this  way.  A  noble  and  serious  life  lay  before  her,  with 
companion,  friend,  and  guide,  in  the  heavenly  walk. 

But  she  slept  soundly  and  late  the  next  morning  as  the 
result  of  her  unwonted  vigil.  After  breakfast,  when  they 
were  alone,  Mrs.  Alston  informed  her  brother  of  the  engage- 
ment. 

He  was  glancing  idly  out  of  the  window,  and  for  the 
moment  felt  strangely  disconcerted. 

"You  surely  do  not  disapprove?"  rendered  a  trifle 
uneasy  by  his  silence. 

"I  am  surprised:  Kathie  appeared  so  utterly  ignorant 
Of  love  a  few  weeks  ago." 

"But  it  seems  to  me  the  most  natural  thing  in  the 
world,"  replied  the  mother,  with  some  warmth :  "  they 
have  always  loved  each  other." 

"  And  yet  engagements  rarely  grow  out  of  that  kind  of 
love." 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  147 

"It  is  best  and  safest,  much  to  be  preferred  to  these 
iot-headed,  imperious,  exhaustive  passions,  that  spend 
themselves  in  courtship,  and  make  a  barren  waste  of  after- 
life. They  have  grown  into  it ;  and  when  the  full  time 
came  it  declared  itself.  O  Robert,  it  is  such  a  comfort 
to  give  her  to  some  one  you  can  trust  thoroughly,  —  our 
dear,  darling  child  !  To  see  Kathie  unhappy  would  break 
my  heart." 

"My  dear  Dora,  Kathie's  happiness  is  all  I  ask;  and 
the  lover  is  suitable  in  every  way  ;  but  it  seems  sudden.' 

"  It  is  hardly  to  be  called  an  engagement  this  year.  I 
could  not  have  Kathie  exposed  to  foolish  girl-gossip  ;  and 
Charlie  quite  agreed  with  me.  Another  year,  when  he  is. 
ordained,  there  will  be  a  regular  engagement ;  but  I  am  to 
have  her  two  years  longer. 

"  I  really  could  not  think  of  her  marrying  just  yet." 

"  We  shall  not  have  to  think  about  it,  or  to  worry  over 
possible  lovers.  She  will  be  of  suitable  age,  and  will  have 
had  a  pleasant,  happy  girlhood ;  and,  although  I  am  not 
mercenary,  I  am  glad  Charlie  will  never  be  entirely  depend- 
ent on  his  salary.  Grandmother  Darrell's  will  is  made  in 
his  favor."  And  she  paused  with  a  slight  flush. 

"  Yes,  I  think  it  is  hard  to  accustom  a  girl  to  all  the 
comforts  and  refinements  of  one  station  and  then  plunge 
her  into  a  life  of  poverty  and  hardship ;  still,  it  has 
always  been  my  intention  to  make  some  provision  for 
Kathie,  if  it  was  needed.  She  should  have  had  an  unbi- 
assed choice." 

"  You  are  so  good  and  generous,  Robert,"  she  an- 
swered, deeply  moved.  "  But  I  want  you  to  feel  quite  sat- 
isfied "  ;  lingering  on  the  last  word. 

"  I  hate  to  think  any  one  has  a  claim  on  my  little  girl. 
I  am  a  selfish  old  fellow  after  all,"  he  made  answer,  with 
a  half-petulant  shrug  of  the  shoulders. 

' '  It  would  come  some  time :  marriage  and  a  home  is  a 
woman's  best  and  highest  destiny,  her  most  satisfying  life  ; 


148  WHOM    KATIIIE   MARRIED. 

and  we  do  keep  her  a  while.  Could  we  trust  any  stranger 
as  unhesitatingly  as  Charlie  Darrell  ?  " 

"  So  that  she  is  happy,  my  prayer  will  be  answered," 
he  replied  gravely. 

"  There  is  every  prospect  of  it." 

He  turned  to  leave  the  room,  then  paused. 

"If you  are  writing  to  Ruth  to-day,  just  mention  it," 
he  said  abruptly  ;  "  but  with  that  exception  we  will  not 
let  it  go  beyond  family  walls." 

Was  he  annoyed?  Mrs.  Alston  wondered.  Men  often 
hated  to  give  up  their  daughters,  and  —  Kathie  was  like  a 
daughter  to  Uncle  Robert.  It  might  be  that  feeling  of 
tender  love  that  held  him  from  welcoming  any  new  tie. 
And  yet  she  wanted  him  to  rejoice  in  it  as  she  did. 

When  Kathie  came  down-stairs  eager  and  smiling,  the 
faint  misgivings  she  had  been  nursing  vanished ;  so  she 
poured  out  her  full  heart  in  the  letter  to  Aunt  Ruth,  and 
felt  in  some  degree  satisfied.  Surely  no  one  could  have 
Kathie's  welfare  more  at  heart,  or  dread  a  mistake  more 
deeply  than  her  mother. 

Certainly  the  lover  proved  himself  no  laggard.  Uncle 
Robert  bethought  himself  of  an  errand  as  he  walked  out 
to  the  stable,  and  resolved  to  set  about  it  instantl}'.  He 
could  not  meet  Kathie  just  yet,  with  her  new  happiness 
shining  in  her  sweet  face,  so  ho  ordered  the  horses  and 
drove  away  to  settle  his  mind  to  the  fact. 

He  had  not  gone  far  when  a  pleasant  voice  called  to 
him,  and  Charlie  Darrell  stood  in  his  very  path. 

"  Good  morning  ";  and  there  was  a  flush  of  conscious 
pride  on  the  fair  young  face.  "  I  was  coming  over  to  see 
you.  Maj- 1  get  in?  I  have  something  important  to  say." 

He  could  not  run  away  from  it.  Charlie  DarrelTs 
eager,  pleading  eyes  would  have  disarmed  a  harder  heart. 

"Yes."  And  the  young  man  sprang  in,  too  happy  to 
notice  if  the  invitation  lacked  its  usual  fine  cordiality. 

But  he  was  very  much  in  earnest,  and  stated  his  case 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  149 

in  a  manner  at  once  manly  and  generous.  He  would  not 
even  ask  for  an  engagement  at  present,  but  he  could  not 
go  on  a  day  without  confessing  his  desire  and  resolve ; 
his  entire  assin-ance  that  they  loved  each  other. 

What  was  there  to  do  but  consent?  He  made  a  few 
stipulations,  feeling  in  his  heart  that  Charlie's  fine  sense 
of  honor  would  have  led  him  to  observe  them,  without  any 
promise  being  exacted. 

When  he  returned,  about  noon,  the  lovers  were  sitting 
on  the  porch  in  their  olden  friendly  attitude,  and  Georgie 
Halford  besieging  for  an  afternoon  at  lawn-tennis,  Dick 
Grayson  and  several  others  being  promised. 

"You  see  I  mean  to  make  hay  while  the  sun  shines," 
she  went  on,  laughingly.  "You  young  collegians  will 
need  plenty  of  out-door  exercise  after  your  months  of  close 
confinement.  If  Kathie  shelters  3*011  in  this  palace  of  ease 
and  indolence  I  shall  complain  of  her ;  ought  I  not,  Mr. 
Conover?"  wheeling  suddenly  round. 

"  She  ought  not  to  frustrate  your  good  intentions,"  he 
made  answer. 

"I  shall  be  generous  with  everybody,"  said  Kathie; 
11  even  Rob  when  he  comes,  and  this  afternoon  I  will  be  at 
your  service." 

"And  I."  Charlie  Darrell  rose  and  bowed  in  a  most 
overwhelming  manner. 

' '  Now  you  ought  to  stay  to  luncheon,"  said  Uncle  Robert, 
"  and  some  one  will  drive  you  back.  The  sun  is  intense." 

"How  charming  of  you !  Kathie  invited  me,  but  she 
held  out  no  such  tempting  inducement.  Ask  me  no  more  ; 
I  yield  !  "  sinking  into  an  arm-chair  with  indolent  grace. 

So  they  had  a  gay  little  meal,  and  the  three  drove  back. 
On  Kathie's  return  there  was  company  to  tea,  and  some 
gentlemen  to  see  Uncle  Robert  in  the  evening.  As  she 
was  lingering  about  the  hall  he  came  out  and  gave  her  a 
good-night  kiss,  saying  with  fervent  solemnity, — 

"  God  grant  you  may  be  happy,  my  darling." 


150  WHOM   KATH1E   MARRIED. 

So  Kathie's  engagement  settled  itself  very  simply  and 
naturally,  and  the  days  rolled  on  quite  as  before.  Even 
if  Charlie  Darrell  had  not,  in  some  degree,  been  put  upon 
his  honor  not  to  compromise  Kathie  by  ultra  devotion,  his 
own  fine  sense  of  delicacy  would  have  restrained  him.  He 
felt  sure  of  her ;  the  rest  could  wait  until  the  proper  time 
of  development. 

The  Darrells  were  all  delighted,  and  welcomed  the  young 
girl  so  warmly  that  her  heart  was  touched  anew. 

"  But  they  seem  like  two  children  playing  at  love,"  Mr. 
Meredith  declared  in  a  rather  dissatisfied  tone. 

"  It  is  better  for  the  present  that  they  should  play  at 
love,"  returned  Jessie.  "  I  have  always  strongly  objected 
to  young  men  forming  marriage  engagements  while  at  col- 
lege ;  their  attention  is  so  distracted,  their  time  so  taken 
up  with  letter-writing  and  dreaming,  that  they  are  good 
for  very  little." 

"  How  many  college  lovers  did  you  have,  pray,  that  you 
are  so  well  informed  ?  " 

Jessie  laughed. 

"  My  feeling  about  it  is  that  a  man  ought  to  wait  until 
the  right  time ,  and  then  make  a  regular  business  of  it,  — 
love  with  his  whole  heart  and  soul,  even  if  his  body  be 
somewhat  dilapidated."  And  a  mirthful  light  shone  in  his 
eyes. 

"  I  suspeot  there  was,  and  is,  a  great  difference  between 
you  and  Charlie  ;  and  I  should  not  like  to  see  him  engrossed, 
with  a  headlong  passion  just  now.  No,  it  is  best  as  it  is.' 

"  Well,  I  hope  they  will  be  perfectly  happy  when  their 
time  of  awakening  comes,  for  as  yet  they  are  only  in  a 
summer  dream  ;  and  I  am  glad  to  have  Kathie  in  the  fam- 
ily. I  feel  as  if  I  had  some  small,  undisputed  right  to  her. 
They  have  always  cared  for  each  other  ;  consequently  the 
regard  is  not  so  apparent.  But  after  all, 

'  There  's  nothing  half  so  sweet  in  life 
As  Love's  young  dream.' " 


CHAPTER  XIH. 

"  DEAR  Rob  !  "  Kathie  cried  joyfully  as  the  young  man 
strode  down  the  platform  at  the  station  and  caught  both 
hands  in  his.  Then  she  stood  still  with  a  touch  of  strange 
awe. 

Yes,  the  old  merry  Rob  was  gone  forever.  This  tall, 
resolute  youth,  older  looking  than  his  years  gave  him  any 
warrant,  with  a  determination  in  the  eyes,  and  a  com- 
pression about  the  lips  that  had  laughed  so  easily,  was  a 
man  with  a  man's  future,  whatever  that  might  be,  before 
him. 

"  O  my  precious  little  home  daisy,  how  delightful  it  is 
to  see  you  again !  It  is  really  I ;  you  need  not  look  so 
gravely  questioning,  as  if  you  might  be  tempted  to  deny 
me ;  and  everybody  is  well  ?  Has  Aunt  Ruth  come 
home?" 

' '  No  ;  you  are  the  first  of  the  long  list  of  arrivals  ;  and 
they  will  be  so  glad  to  see  you,  though  that  goes  without 
telling." 

"  It  is  good  told,  nevertheless  ;  and  here  are  the  ponies 
waiting  for  me.  O  Kuthie,  how  many  splendid  drives  we 
have  had  behind  them  !  " 

He  threw  in  his  satchel  and  then  helped  her,  taking  the 
reins,  while  his  face  softened  to  a  half -smile. 

"  We  ought  to  have  a  good  trot,  for  my  blood  rises  with 
the  occasion  ;  but  they  are  counting  the  moments  at  home, 
and  the  trot  can  wait." 

"  How  thoughtful  of  you,  Rob  1 "  Kathie  cried  involun- 
tarily. 


152  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

44  You  do  not  take  into  account  that  the  waif  and  straj 
might  have  a  little  longing  for  home  and  friends.  But 
how  Brookside  changes,  and  how  we  have  changed  since 
Uncle  Robert  came  home  ;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  he  has 
put  his  impress  on  the  place.  Kathie,  there  is  no  moving 
power  in  the  world  equal  to  a  true,  energetic,  high-minded, 
honorable  man." 

Kathie's  cheek  glowed.  If  Uncle  Robert  could  hear 
that  tribute ! 

The}'  turned  into  Cedarwood  Avenue. 

"Oh,  how  lovely!  Even  the  very  stones  look  good! 
It  all  grows  more  homelike  with  the  mellowness  of  time. 
Oh  —  " 

He  reined  up  the  ponies  suddenly  and  sprang  out, 
almost  forgetting  Kathie  in  the  fond  embrace  of  his  mother. 
But  her  loyal  knight  was  at  her  side. 

"  Fred  wants  the  ponies  presently,  so  we  will  let  them 
stand,"  said  Uncle  Robert. 

Rob  walked  up  the  steps  with  his  arm  about  his  mother. 
tie  was  all  hers ;  she  felt  it  in  that  clasp  of  protecting 
tenderness,  that  indescribable  air  of  affection.  The  quiver 
in  his  voice  as  he  spoke  touched  her  almost  to  tears.  Yes, 
she  had  her  boy  back  again  with  the  man's  heart. 

He  had  not  really  grown  taller,  but  it  seemed  so.  He 
had  filled  out  in  chest  and  shoulders,  and  his  voice  had 
deepened,  —  lost  the  merry  ring.  There  was  a  little  look 
of  care  in  his  face,  but  his  e}res  were  clear  and  honest,  and 
m's  whole  bearing  proud  and  manly. 

"  Hillo,  Traveller !"  and  Fred  came  flying,  through  the 
nail. 

"  O  mother  mine,  you  have  no  more  boys  !  "  exclaimed 
Rob.  "  I  suppose  this  is  the  way  I  used  to  surprise  you 
in  my  annual  returns.  Why,  Fred  is  nearl}'  as  tall  as  the 
rest  of  us  ;  but  oh,  how  slim  and  elegant !  We  shall  have 
to  send  you  out  on  the  prairies." 

Fred  colored  and  laughed.     "  At  least,  there  is  a  good 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  153 

frame  to  fat  up,  you  must  admit.  I  have  n't  your  knack  of 
growing  both  ways  at  once  ;  my  exceeding  intellectuality 
forbids  that.  I  must  run  away  for  a  half-hour,  and  by 
that  time  you  will  have  made  acquaintance  with  the  others, 
and  may  find  a  few  moments  for  me.  Addio." 

"  Upon  my  word  !  You  have  style  as  well  as  beauty," 
laughed  Rob  to  his  mother.  "  I  never  quite  came  up  to 
that,  did  I?" 

Something  in  the  answering  look  said  that  whatever  he 
might  have  been  she  would  hardly  have  had  him  changed. 

"  I  suppose  I  can  go  up  to  '  our  room '  ?  " 

"  You  are  to  have  one  all  to  yourself,"  said  Kathie. 
"  Fred  has  turned  his  into  a  sort  of  museum,  and  you 
might  find  a  hospital  as  well.  There  are  birds  and  beasts, 
I  believe,  in  every  stage  of  dilapidation  and  recovery." 

"  '  Pastime  ere  he  goes  to  town.'  Well,  that  is  better 
than  —  "  But  Rob  did  not  finish  the  sentence.  Taking 
his  satchel  he  followed  Kathie. 

"Here  is  dear  Aunt  Ruth's  room,"  and  he  paused. 
' '  The  scent  of  the  rose ;  you  could  n't  take  out  all  the 
crimson  tints,  if  you  did  bring  in  new  lights.  How  lovely 
we  thought  it  at  first,  and  what  a  gathering  place  it  was  ! 
We  studied  our  lessons  and  had  our  talks  and  puzzles  and 
comforts,  redeemed  our  stray  articles  from  the  inexorable 
pound,  confessed  our  sins,  and  nursed  all  our  little  aches 
and  pains  here.  Kathie,  I  think  now  no  set  of  children 
ever  had  a  more  delightful  childhood !  You  are  quite  cer- 
tain Aunt  Ruth  won't  fail  us?  I'm  wild,  too,  to  see 
Bruce." 

"  We  think  she  is  on  her  way,  as  she  has  not  written  in 
some  time." 

When  Rob  rejoined  them  again  he  looked  fresh  as  a 
rose.  His  year  of  hard  work  had  not  worn  on  his 
physique,  if  it  told  in  other  ways.  They  went  out  on  the 
porch  and  talked  over  the  boys,  for  Rob  had  not  outgrown 
them. 


154  WHOM   KATHIE   MAERIED. 

"  Do  }'ou  remember  how  eager  I  always  was  to  set  out 
after  them?"  he  asked.  "  Now  I  am  going  to  wait  for 
them  to  come  to  me :  one  of  the  beneficent  results  of  age 
and  experience.  Hillo !  " 

Dick  Grayson  vaulted  over  the  side  fence  and  came 
striding  up. 

"  How  good  it  is  to  see  you,  old  chap  !  I  was  wonder- 
ing when  you  would  come."  And  the  two  shook  hands 
heartily.  "O  Kathie,  the  Collamores  have  returned; 
I  met  Louise  down  the  street;  and  the  Langdons  are 
expected  in  the  next  steamer.  Now  for  news  about  the 
young  lieutenant ! " 

"  We  have  not  had  any  as  yet." 

"  I  shah1  never  forgive  him  if  he  fails.  I  don't  believe 
we  ever  can  have  such  a  summer  again.  The  cares  of  this 
world  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches  will  be  upon  us  all. 
Have  you  found  them  heavy,  Rob?  You  do  not  look 
deeply  careworn." 

"The  riches  have  not  as  yet  proved  a  heavy  burden," 
rejoined  the  young  man,  with  a  touch  of  humor. 

Fred  returned  presently,  and  they  kept  Dick  to  supper. 
Afterward  Jessie  and  Charlie  came  over.  Mr.  Meredith 
was  up  to  the  city  for  a  few  days. 

"  I  don't  know  but  vre  ought  to  give  you  a  party,  Rob," 
said  his  mother,  "and  ask  all  the  young  people  over 
here." 

"  You  see,  Kathie,  my  many  virtues  or  my  long  absences 
are  coming  to  be  appreciated,"  commented  Robert  in  a 
sort  of  humorously  confidential  tone.  "  You  know,  Dick, 
all  the  great  things  used  to  be  done  for  her.  We  were 
bidden  to  feasts  in  her  honor,  we  came  at  her  command  —  " 

"  Not  always,"  she  interrupted  gayly. 

"  And  now  you  are  come  at  my  command.  We  will 
not  wait  for  gilt-edged  cards,  mother  dear  ;  time  presses, 
and  a  fortnight  is  soon  gone.  Neither  will  we  put  off  for 
the  laggards,  though  the  loss  can  never  be  made  up  to 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  155 

them.  Just  a  jolly  tea  drinking,  and  a  general  state  of 
beatitude,  mostly  wandering  about  the  lawn  and  talking 
OArer  old  times.  Why  can't  it  be  to-morrow  or  next 
day?" 

"  Suppose  we  say  Thursday,  then?" 

"  Agreed.  Charlie  and  Dick  are  invited  ;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Meredith  and  the  rest  we  will  look  after  to-morrow." 

Rob  and  Kathie  went  out  the  next  morning  and  had  a 
very  pleasant  time.  She  was  secretly  glad  of  this  excuse 
to  call  on  Miss  Collamore  for  many  reasons.  Fay  was 
delighted,  and  promised  for  the  three,  Louise  being 
absent. 

They  drove  on  silently  afterward,  Kathie  revolving  two 
or  three  subjects  in  her  mind.  When  she  glanced  at  Rob 
again  a  strange  change  seemed  to  have  overspread  his 
face.  It  was  stern  and  set,  the  lips  compressed  to  a  scar- 
let line.  His  eyes  were  bent  upon  the  far  distance,  yet  he 
was  not  studying  hill  nor  stream.  Some  occult  link  took 
her  back  to  Rome  ;  the  last  night  with  Bruce.  Of  what 
was  Rob  thinking?  Were  there  some  deep  mysteries  to 
life  that  girls  and  women  never  knew  ?  Did  they  live  more 
on  the  surface  ? 

Rob's  party  resolved  itself  into  a  company  of  young 
and  middle  aged,  as  informal  gatherings  were  wont  to  do 
at  Cedarwood.  There  were  a  few  games  of  croquet,  but 
that  was  on  the  wane,  following  the  career  of  many  dis- 
placed favorites.  The  evening  was  very  pleasant,  so  they 
interspersed  it  with  singing  until  it  became  quite  a  little 
musicale. 

Mrs.  Alston  begged  for  a  duet  that  Rob  and  Miss 
Fay  used  to  sing  the  summer  before.  Rob  declared  he 
was  all  out  of  practice  ;  but  after  Fay  had  played  it  over 
several  times,  he  joined  her,  and  they  succeeded  so  well 
that  the  company  petitioned  for  more.  Fay  played  and 
sang  exquisitely.  Then  there  were  choruses  and  a  few 
pathetic  old  ballads,  Mrs.  Adams's  delight. 


156  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED 

It  was  quite  evident  to  Kathie  that  Eugene  had  not 
made  a  very  earnest  fight  with  his  fancy.  In  fact,  he  had 
not  fought  at  all.  During  the  journey  Fay  had  gently  tried 
to  persuade,  but  her  pity  for  him  weakened  her  efforts. 

"  I  must  wait,"  he  would  answer  bravely.  "  When  she 
is  convinced  that  I  shall  always  love  her,  she  may  come  to 
have  some  faith,  some  pit}'." 

So  Kathie  was  very  glad  to  shelter  herself  under 
Charlie's  wing.  Eugene  watching  him  and  finding  none 
of  the  heat  and  petulance  of  jealousy,  none  of  the  impa- 
tience of  possession,  decided  that  it  must  be  merely  friend- 
ship. 

They  planned  some  amusements  for  the  next  day,  to 
end  with  a  supper  at  the  Darrells',  Jessie's  ovation  to  Rob, 
she  declared. 

"  I  shall  save  mine  until  next  week,"  said  Mrs.  Adams, 
"  but  be  sure  you  do  not  fail  me,  Robert.  And,  Miss 
Fay,  I  look  for  you  and  Mrs.  Langdon  to  be  warm 
friends." 

Fay  colored  brightly. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meredith  made  their  little  supper  a 
charming  success.  There  were  so  many  old  things  to  talk 
about.  Rob  entertained  Fay  with  a  graphic  description 
of  the  first  party  at  the  Darrells',  and  Kathie's  Cinderella 
dress,  as  he  called  it,  and  of  his  own  boyish  admiration 
for  Mr.  Meredith,  and  the  episode  of  his  going  to  war. 

"  I  think  them  the  loveliest  of  married  couples,"  said 
Fay  enthusiastically. 

"That  was  Kathie's  match  making, 'I  am  quite  sure, 
though  she  was  such  a  little  girl.  And  the  Langdons ; 
she  was  always  going  about  with  Emma  and  admiring  her, 
and  somehow,  —  I  can't  at  all  explain  it,  —  but  she  always 
made  you  see  the  good  and  lovable  points  in  other  peo- 
ple, unless  you  were  obstinately  obtuse,  as  I  used  to  be 
sometimes." 

"  And  presently  her  hero  will  come,"  ventured  Fay. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARKIED.  157 

"  Kathie's?  She  deserves  the  best  and  noblest  of  them 
all.  I  hope  Mackenzie  will  get  here  this  summer ;  I  'd 
like  you  so  to  see  him.  I  've  always  had  a  half-fancy,  — 
and  he  's  such  a  fine  fellow,  strong  and  brave  and  up- 
right !  Somebody  said  once  that  Kathie  always  found 
such  delightful  people.  She  met  Gen.  Mackenzie  in  New 
York  when  she  was  a  little  bit  of  a  girl,  and  he  liked  her 
immensely,  as  eve^-body  did.  And  that  is  all  mixed  up 
with  the  Merediths'  romance,  but  the  outcome  of  it  wa» 
his  marrying  Aunt  Ruth.  She  's  just  the  sort  of  mothe* 
for  a  chap  like  Bruce  Mackenzie.  Oh,  I  remember  thrash' 
ing  a  schoolmate  once  who  called  her  an  old  maid,  and 
she  was  n't  old,  either !  " 

Rob  laughed  at  the  recollection,  and  then  Fay  must 
hear  that  story.  Mrs.  Alston  watched  them  together, 
and  her  eyes  grew  strangely  tender.  What  if  this,  too$ 
should  come  about? 

After  they  reached  home  that  evening  Uncle  Robert 
took  a  note  from  his  pocket. 

"  A  disappointment  from  Ruth,"  he  said.  "  I  had  not 
the  heart  to  spoil  our  pleasant  evening  with  it.  They 
have  decided  to  go  on  to  California." 

"  Oh  !  "  cried  Kathie  ;  "  and  Bruce?  " 

"  She  does  not  say  a  word  about  him.  She  does  not 
even  explain  what  has  changed  their  plans.  It  is  too 
bad!" 

"  I  did  so  want  to  see  Bruce,"  exclaimed  Robert.  "  He 
was  counting  on  it  so  much.  Do  you  know  I  think  Bruce 
is  rather  tired  of  soldiering.  There  is  n't  much  fun  in  it 
now." 

"  Spoken  like  the  old  Rob,"  said  his  uncle. 

Rob  flushed  and  laughed. 

"  Or  much  glory,  either,"  he  added. 

"  No,  we  have  come  to  the  victories  of  peace  ;  and  yet 
sometimes  the  warfare  is  harder ;  the  results  more  bar- 
ren, or  not  so  perceptible." 


158  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

u  And  that  is  to  our  life's  end."  There  was  a  sudden 
lowering  in  Robert  Alston's  voice,  and,  clasping  his  uncle's 
hand,  he  said  good  night  abruptly. 

Sunday  was  a  lovely,  quiet  day.  They  "  kept  the  feast " 
with  each  other.  Even  Charlie  delicately  refrained  from 
coming  over,  for  he  judged  they  would  like  to  have  one 
day  to  themselves. 

Many  a  time  afterward  Mrs.  Alston  recalled  this  day. 
Rob  and  she  seemed  to  drift  together,  to  get  nearer  than 
ever  in  their  lives.  Some  strange  charm  woke  a  new 
chord  whose  refrain  was  tender  to  sadness.  How  could 
she  spare  him  for  a  whole  year  when  he  had  just  learned 
to  be  companionable  ?  What  had  brought  about  this  mar- 
vellous change  ? 

Kathie  sat  at  the  piano  the  next  day,  practising  a  few 
songs,  when  Jane  paused  in  the  doorway. 

"  Mrs.  Langdon  has  come,  Miss  Kathie.  Mrs.  Adams 
has  just  sent  over.  I  think  they  want  }'ou." 

"  Then  I  may  go  at  once."  And  she  sprang  up  in 
delight,  her  vague  speculations  giving  way  to  active  joy. 

Mr.  Langdon  stood  in  the  hall,  when  she  reached  the 
house,  barricaded  it  seemed  with  boxes.  He  took  one 
long  step  and  caught  her  in  his  arms. 

"  My  dear  Kathie,  how  good  it  is  to  see  yon  once  more  ! 
Who  was  it  said  a  man  ought  to  take  a  journey  for  the 
pleasure  of  coming  home?  He  was  a  rare  philosopher. 
When  I  have  shaken  the  dust  off  my  feet  and  gotten  the 
flavor  of  foreign  languages  off  my  tongue,  I  shall  be  a  boy 
again.  Has  the  lake  dried  up?  Have  the  oarsmen  van- 
ished? Rob,  I  hear,  is  at  home,  a  young  man,  and  oh» 
you  are  all  men  and  women  !  " 

Some  one  came  flying  down-stairs  before  Kathie  could 
reply.  Emma  had  certainly  grown  more  beautiful.  She 
stood  there  in  her  radiant  bloom,  talking,  laughing,  glad 
to  get  back  her  girl  friend,  and  charming  her  with  every 
word. 


WHOM   KATHIH    MARRIED.  159 

"  It  is  enough  to  make  any  one  jealous,"  declared  Mr. 
Langdon,  "  though  I  can't  make  up  my  mind  of  whom." 

"Well,  I  shall  carry  Kathie  up-stairs  if  she  can  climb 
over  these  boxes.  I  want  to  hear  all  about  Brookside." 

' '  What  is  to  be  done  with  them  ?  And  there  are  more 
at  the  station.  Kathie,  we  have  '  ransacked  the  ages  and 
spoiled  the  climes,'  and  now  we  have  an  embarrassment  of 
riches." 

"  We  pass  by  boxes  as  a  minor  consideration,"  disdain- 
fully. "  Come,  Kathie  ;  Georgie  has  gone  out,  and  Mrs. 
Adams  is  lying  down,  so  I  can  have  you  quite  to  myself. 
Oh,  how  natural  you  look !  You  can't  imagine  how  home- 
sick I  was  after  you  had  gone.  I  believe  I  should  have 
begged  to  come  home  if  I  had  not  been  ashamed,  and 
thrown  up  '  fame  and  all.'  But  I  went  to  work  in  real 
earnest,  and  Mr.  Langdon  was  so  good.  But  I  am  afraid 
marriage  makes  you  lazy,  or  you  get  over  the  enthusiasm." 

"  I  hardly  think  you  have  lost  yours,"  replied  Kathie, 
archly. 

"  Is  n't  it  queer  how  we  all  want  to  come  back  to  the 
home  of  our  youth  ?  Fred  writes  about  it.  He  is  doing 
so  well,  too,  but  he  counts  the  months  of  his  stay.  We 
were  all  so  happy,  and  yet  we  had  our  troubles,  too,"  with 
a  piquant  smile.  "  I  suppose  Cedarwood  is  still  the  rally- 
ing centre  for  all  the  forces,  with  your  delightful  uncle  in 
the  midst." 

"We  do  not  seem  to  change  much,  only  Freddy  is 
almost  as  tall  as  Rob,  and  goes  to  college  this  fall." 

"Kathie,  what  will  your  mother  do  without  children? 
She  is  the  most  motherliest  mother  I  ever  saw.  You  will 
all  have  to  get  married  and  fill  the  house  with  grandchil- 
dren." 

Mrs.  Adams  entered  just  then,  and  greeted  Kathie 
warmly. 

"How  much  longer  does  your  brother  stay?"  she 
asked.  * '  We  must  explain  to  Emma  the  cause  of  the  tea 


160  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

parties  going  round.  Mr.  Robert  Alston  has  been  the 
hero  of  the  occasion." 

"  He  will  have  to  leave  us  on  Friday  evening,"  replied 
Kathie.  "  Why,  the  fortnight  will  seem  like  a  dream." 

u  You  will  have  to  rest  up  a  little  —  " 

"  Oh,"  declared  Emma  laughingly,  "  I  shall  be  rested  by 
the  time  Mr.  Langdon  gets  the  luggage  stored  away. 
What  a  house  we  are  making?  And  I  must  go  and  see 
grandmother  presently.  I  had  only  a  ripple  of  sea-sick- 
ness coming  over,  so  I  feel  none  the  worse  for  my  jour- 
ney." 

When  Kathie  started  for  home  Emma  put  on  her  hat  to 
go  to  her  grandmother's  ;  Mr.  Langdon  would  come  to  tea. 

"And  no  doubt  some  'spirit  in  our  feet'  will  lead  us 
through  Cedarwood  on  our  return,"  she  said  with  her 
good-by  to  Kathie. 

Sure  enough  it  did.  They  sat  on  the  porch  and  planned 
pleasure  enough  to  fill  up  a  month. 

"  Brookside  will  become  noted  for  its  beauties,"  declared 
Rob,  "  and  geniuses,  too.  I  expect  next  year  I  shall  hear 
of  a  certain  Brookside  Club  that  will  immortalize  the 
place." 

"  Don't  laugh  at  us,  —  at  me,"  entreated  Emma. 

"  I  'm  not  laughing.  You  will  find  a  rival  in  Miss  Col- 
lamore,  and  you  will  both  have  to  look  well  to  your  laurels. 
Kathie's  gift  will  declare  itself  next." 

"  I  think  it  did  a  long  while  ago,"  replied  Emma  softty. 

"  Do  you  know,"  the  latter  said,  a  few  days  afterwards, 
"  I  think  the  one  who  has  changed  most  of  all  is  your 
brother  Robert.  He  is  so  very  different,  so  gentle  and 
almost  grave  at  times.  I  venture  upon  a  guess,  that  he 
is  in  love  with  Miss  Fay  Collamore." 

"  I  think  we  all  wish  it  might  be,"  Kathie  made  answer 
in  a  curiously  reverent  tone. 

Indeed,  the  young  people  had  been  thrown  much  together. 
It  would  have  been  quite  impossible  to  traverse  Mrs. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  161 

Alston's  quiet  directing  of  events.  But  something  struck 
Uncle  Robert  that  the  mother  passed  by  quite  unremarked. 
Much  as  he  seemed  to  prefer  Fay,  he  was  more  careful 
than  youth  is  wont  to  be,  than  he  had  ever  been.  It  was 
not  coldness,  but  distance  ;  as  if  there  was  some  cause  for 
keeping  himself  well  in  hand,  and,  cordially  sweet  as  he 
had  been  with  his  mother  and  Kathie,  he  had  not  been  at 
all  communicative  about  his  inner  life  or  plans.  He  was 
putting  away  something  with  an  unflinching  resolution,  the 
old  quality  they  used  to  consider  stubbornness.  He  went 
very  little  into  society,  belonged  to  a  debating  club,  and 
read  a  great  deal ;  was  taking  quite  an  interest  in  some  of 
the  political  questions  of  the  day. 

He  covered  all  this  with  a  feint  of  business  ambition, 
but  that  was  not  the  thing  deepest  in  his  soul.  And 
Uncle  Robert  came  to  have  a  misgiving  that  tete-d-tetes 
with  him  were  rather  avoided,  or  at  least  not  sought. 
True,  they  were  all  occupied  every  moment  with  pleasure. 
The  days  were  crowded  full.  Dick  Grayson  had  so  many 
plans  to  talk  over  with  his  old  chum,  there  was  rowing 
after  Mr.  Langdon  came,  teas,  music,  two  or  three  archery 
meetings,  and  continual  amusement.  Yet  at  times  it 
seemed  as  if  Rob's  real  soul  was  not  in  it. 

The  mother  was  so  happy  in  her  son's  devotion  that 
Uncle  Robert  would  not  have  disturbed  her  faith  for 
worlds. 

What  was  there  to  dread?  Some  miserable  entangle- 
ment, perhaps,  formed  in  college.  And  yet  he  evinced  no 
special  interest  in  New  Haven  ;  he  had  taken  no  journeys 
thither  during  the  year,  and  now  was  staying  at  home 
until  the  latest  moment.  Uncle  Robert  observed  narrowl}', 
but  all  his  penetration  was  baffled.  It  was  not  a  happy 
secret,  and  it  was  something  he  was  striving  to  thrust  out 
of  sight,  but  to  which,  by  some  fatal  enchantment,  he  must 
return. 

Yet  it  was  a  joyous  fortnight,  in  spite  of  the  disap- 
11 


162  WHOM   KATHJE   MARRIED. 

pointment  about  Aunt  Ruth.  And  now  there  was  a 
general  outcry. 

"  You  are  quite  enough  to  spoil  any  one,"  declared  Robert. 
"  Why,  didn't  Kathie  go  to  Europe  and  stay  two  years, 
and  here  I  can  come  home  two  or  three  times  a  )'ear !  I 
am  not  so  far  away.  And  here  is  Fred  going  to  college, 
and  you  will  see  but  precious  little  of  him  until  next 
year.  It  is  the  old  marching  orders.  I  don't  believe  you 
are  as  fond  of  soldiers  as  you  used  to  be,  Kathie." 

Kathie  was  winking  the  tears  out  of  her  eyes.  At  least, 
she  was  not  fond  of  partings. 

Dick,  Charlie,  and  several  others  came  to  see  Rob  off 
on  his  journey.  To  them  it  had  the  heroic  side.  So 
Uncle  Robert  could  only  say  good  by  with  the  rest,  and 
go  home  pondering  the  subject. 

Ah,  how  lonesome  the  house  was  without  him  !  Every 
one  came  to  comfort  Kathie,  and  pleasure  flagged  a  little, 
but  weightier  matters  started  up  for  consideration.  Fred's 
wardrobe  must  be  gone  over,  and  this  would  be  quite  a 
new  parting,  as  Fred  had  never  been  away  at  school.  He 
was  to  enter  Columbia  College,  and  there  would  be  the 
"  boys  "  to  take  him  in  hand,  and  Mr.  Meredith's  house 
as  a  second  home.  But  the  mother  would  be  left  nearly 
alone. 

"We  shall  settle  down  into  staid  old  folks,  Dora," 
exclaimed  Uncle  Robert,  "and  we  must  both  set  up  a 
hobby.  They  must  be  different,  so  that  we  can  dispute 
about  them." 

"Fancy  mamma  disputing!"  And  Kathie  laughed 
heartily. 

Mrs.  Alston  gave  a  gentle  sigh. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  pleasures  fell  off  a  little  after  Rob  went,  perhaps 
because  there  was  so  much  to  do.  Everybody  was  planuing 
something,  or  growing  toward  it  unconsciously.  Louise 
Collamore  had  a  drift  and  a  leaning  quite  plain  to  see,  now 
that  the  whirl  was  a  little  over.  Mr.  Hunsdon  was  gravely, 
carefully  attentive.  He  was  twelve  years  older  than  she, 
the  proprietor  of  a  chemical  factory,  a  man  of  Culture  and 
rather  curious  tastes,  with  a  great  love  for  old-time  adorn- 
ments, which  were  now  beginning  to  create  a  stir  in  every 
one's  mind.  "  Fireplaces  and  candlesticks,"  Georgie  Hal- 
ford  called  them,  and  declared  mirthfuliy  that  Louise  had 
tangled  Mr.  Hunsdon  in  her  embroidery  silks,  and  would 
finally  wind  him  up  in  a  curtain  and  cover  him  with  roses. 

Several  little  incidents  drifted  Fay  more  toward  Kathie. 
She  was  a  connecting  link  with  M*s.  Langdon,  and  the 
latter  took  a  warm  interest  in  Fay's  pursuits,  indeed,  en- 
couraged her  greatly.  Mrs.  Alston  drew  her  towards  her- 
self with  a  delicate,  motherly  interest,  something  indefin- 
able, }*et  very  tender  and  winning,  as  if  a  thought  in  her 
mind  was  sanctioned  and  settled,  and,  the  path  being  clear, 
she  had  only  to  go  on  to  fruition.  She  was  very  happy  in 
these  days.  It  seemed  as  if  she  could  put  her  arms  about 
the  two  she  would  have  chosen  out  of  all  the  world  to 
place  at  her  own  fireside. 

Dick  Grayson  seemed  to  vibrate  between  them  all,  with 
the  longer  stroke  on  Kathie's  side.  He  liked  fun-loving 
Georgie  very  much,  and  she  managed  to  attract  a  crowd  of 
young  people  around  her  who  were  always  doing  some- 
thing or  going  somewhere  just  for  the  fun  of  it.  A 


164  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

bright,  beguiling  girl,  with  no  special  depth  or  sentiment, 
or  any  defined  purpose  to  life. 

"  She  is  one  of  the  large  tones  of  color,"  said  Dick  one 
da}',  as  he  and  Kathie  lingered  in  one  of  the  shady  lawn 
paths  at  the  Adams'.  "  You  want  filling  in  and  shading 
down,  and  the  little  bits,  accessories,  is  n't  it,  to  make 
the  picture  perfect?  and  I  feel  as  if  we  were  the  little  bits, 
the  sort  of  neutral  tints,  the  sky,  and  the  water,  and  the 
hazy  atmosphere.  So  it  takes  us  all  to  get  anything  like 
a  complete  whole.  Did  you.  ever  remark  the  tendency  in 
so  many  people  to  make  the  world  over  just  their  way,  to 
bring  all  to  one  method  of  thinking  ?  "Would  n't  it  be 
queer  to  have  no  variety  ?  "  Kathie  laughed  at  the  con- 
ceit. They  had  many  trenchant  bits  of  talk  together,  but 
when  Charlie  came,  Dick  }'ielded  the  place  of  honor  to 
him.  Why  he  could  not  have  told,  except  that  it  had 
always  been  so,  and  yet  Charlie  was  the  least  aggressive 
of  any  of  the  boys.  And  so  Eugene  fell  quite  into  the 
background,  Kathie  always  sheltering  herself  under  some 
half-defined  influence. 

Fay  and  Mrs.  Langdon  soon  became  very  warm  friends, 
with  their  s}"mpathetic  love  between. 

"  No  one  can  ever  be  quite  what  you  were  and  are,'' 
she  said  to  Kathie  one  day  ; l '  we  seem  to  have  lived  through 
one  of  the  infrequent  experiences  that  never  die  out.  But 
Fay  is  very  charming,  with  her  serene  truth  and  quaint  bits 
of  humility,  and,  as  you  are  never  jealous,  I  shall  take  her 
up,  make  a  protege  of  her. 

"  I  couldn't  be  jealous  of  her,  and  mamma  loves  her< 
so,"  returned  Kathie. 

"  And  if  some  one  else  comes  to  love  her?  One  can't 
always  help  speculating,  and  then  —  Kathie,  how  do  you 
keep  fancy  free  amid  all  this  adoration?  Your  loj'al 
knights  come '  two  and  two.'  And  I  fancy  not  last,  perhaps 
that  Eugene  Collamore  is  rather  hard  hit,  but  the  others 
do  crowd  him  out." 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  165 

"  Oh  !  "    Kathic's  face  was  scarlet,  sore  against  her  desire. 

"Then  3-011  have  mistrusted?  Kathie,  you  are  discre- 
tion itself.  I  am  sorry  for  the  poor  lad,  only  youth  has 
many  cures  for  heart-breaks  ;  or  they  are  not  quite  heart- 
breaks, I  think.  I  suppose  being  used  to  older  men  ;  you 
know  I  grew  up  with  the  past  generation."  And  she  laughed 
lightly  as  a  soft  bloom  overspread  her  lovely  face.  "  Your 
uncle,  and  Mr.  Meredith,  and  Mr.  Langdon  make  the 
boys  appear  extremely  young  to  me.  Eugene  and  Charlie, 
and  most  of  Georgie's  admirers ;  Dick  Grayson  passes 
beyond  them  a  little ;  he  is  going  to  make  a  fine  man, 
Kathie,  one  of  the  kind  who  carry  weight.  And  Rob  seems 
so  much  older ;  he  is  not  at  all  what  I  fancied  he  would 
be.  I  suppose  young  people  are  more  difficult  to  guess 
about  than  we  imagine." 

"  Why  ?  "  Kathie  asked  it  in  a  breathless  sort  of  way, 
as  if  a  shadowy  fear  tugged  at  her  heart.  She  and  her 
mother  were  so  thoroughly  satisfied,  but  how  did  it  seem 
to  a  person  quite  outside  of  relationship  ? 

"Rob  used  to  think  always  of  the  good  times,  of  his 
good  time.  He  had  a  fancy,  unconscious  maybe,  of  mak. 
ing  every  one  over  to  suit  himself,  and  now  he  is  growing 
so  like  your  uncle,  trying  to  fit  and  suit  other  people. 
And  how  much  he  reads  !  "We  had  several  delightful  talks. 
But  why  is  he  staying  out  there  by  himself?  His  heart 
is  n't  set  on  making  a  fortune,  though  he  does  talk  about 
it." 

"  It  was  a  very  good  business  opening,"  said  Kathie 
slowly. 

' '  And  I  suppose  people  can't  always  keep  together  ? 
But  that  season  of  youth  was  so  perfect  I  'd  like  to  live  it 
over  again  and  have  my  lover  come  so  by  surprise,  and  tell 
me  he  watched  me  first  because  I  was  so  much  like  you  " ; 
and  Emma  laughed,  with  a  lovely  scarlet  flush  in  her  face. 
"  Instead,  I  shall  watch  for  your  lover,  only  he  will  never 
compliment  me  so  daintily ;  but  I  shall  not  be  jealous. 


166  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Who  knows  'out  Providence  is  saving  you  up  for  Fred? 
He  will  be  home  next  summer,  so  you  need  not  hurry. 
You  must  have  your  choice  of  the  flower  of  chivalry." 

Kathie's  heart  beat  with  a  curiously  guilty  feeling.  It 
had  come  over  her  more  than  once  when  some  incidental 
reference  had  been  made  to  her  future. 

Another  thought  worried  her  more  than  she  liked  to 
confess.  She  had  been  owing  Bruce  a  letter  a  long  while. 
Ought  she  to  write  to  him  now,  and  what  must  she  say? 
There  was  a  great  confusion  in  her  mind  on  the  subject. 

She  tried  to  settle  it  that  evening.  She  stayed  to  tea 
with  Emma,  and  several  of  the  young  people  dropped  in  to 
arrange  about  a  sailing  party.  Charlie  walked  over  home 
with  her.  They  reached  the  lawn  path  before  she  could 
resolve  upon  the  manner  of  presenting  her  perplexity. 
Then  she  paused  with  a  tremulous  little  ' '  Charlie  ?  " 

"  Well?  "  in  the  comforting  tone  that  always  seemed  so 
restful. 

"  I  want  to  ask  you  —  about  —  writing  to  Bruce.  I  owe 
him  a  letter.  He  was  so  sure  of  coming  when  he  wrote, 
and  I  waited  to  hear  —  " 

"  There    certainly    has    been    enough    disappointment 
expressed  to  make  your  letter  entertaining,  to  say  the 
least." 
"But  —  " 

"  O  Kathie,  you  don't  mean  —  that  I  am  selfish  enough 
to  keep  you  from  —  anything  ?  "  And  his  quick  tone  made 
the  hurt  manifest. 

"  I  want  to  do  just  what  is  right,  proper,"  trying  to 
steady  her  voice  that  would  tremble.  "  It  is  so  strange  to 
think  of  anything  different." 

"  But  you  and  Bruce  are  —  Well,  it  is  a  relationship, 
after  all.  Kathie,  I  think  I  have  been  the  least  bit  jealous 
twice.  When  I  came  home  last  spring,  and  saw  you 
and  Eugene  in  your  phaeton  ;  by  the  station,  you  remem- 
ber. I  did  n't  understand  just  what  it  was.  Then  mother 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  167 

made  a  comment  one  day  to  the  effect  that  other  young 
men  might  find  you  sweet  and  attractive,  and  it  came  to 
me  that  my  regard  was  something  deeper,  warmer  than 
friendship.  And  then,  the  night  I  spoke  you  had  been 
showing  such  joy  at  the  news  of  Bruce's  return  that  I 
wanted  to  feel  quite  sure.  And  now  that  I  am  sure,  the 
little  social  demands  cause  me  no  uneasiness.  There 
always  seems  to  me  something  cruel  and  uncalled  for  in 
jealousy.  If  3"ou  have  entire  faith  in  a  person,  as  I  have 
in  }^ou,  surely  I  can  trust  you  to  decide  how  much  is  owing 
to  the  '  small,  sweet  courtesies  of  life ' ;  if  I  had  not  faith, 
—  of  course  I  can't  imagine  so  monstrous  a  thing,  — it  would 
be  better  to  give  up  the  thought  of  love.  There  must  be 
confidence  to  hallow  it.  I  could  not  take  the  shell  without 
the  substance,  as  love  would  prove  without  faith.  And  I 
am  always  at  rest  about  you.  Besides,  this  year  I  shall 
be  away  so  much  that  I  want  you  to  go  on  with  all  the  old 
friends  and  have  all  the  happiness  that  comes  to  you. 
Your  own  soul  will  teach  you  what  to  reject.  You  and 
Bruce  have  been  dear  friends,  and  there  is  nothing  to  be 
rudely  broken  up.  You  will  meet  each  other  at  intervals 
all  your  life.  I  should  like  to  count  Bruce  Mackenzie  one 
of  my  choice  friends,  our  welcome  guest  in  the  time  to 
come.  So  write  to  him  just  as  usual,  you  dear,  conscien- 
tious little  body." 

She  wanted  to  ask  another  question,  but  was  it  courage 
that  failed?  And  yet  he  partly  answered  with  his  next 
remark. 

' '  You  know  we  are  only  half  engaged."  And  by  his  tone 
she  understood  the  sweetness  of  his  smile  that  she  could 
not  see  in  the  dusk.  "  Next  year  I  may  claim  more,  but 
I  hope  never  to  forget  how  sacred  a  trust  you  are." 

He  kissed  her  softly  on  the  forehead,  then  walked  up  to 
the  porch  steps  with  her,  and  said  good  night. 

And  yet  the  question  was  not  wholly  solved.  How 
much,  how  much?  seemed  to  float  through  her  brain.  She 


168  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

could  tell  with  Eugene,  it  must  be  nothing,  for  even 
tender  sympathy  would  be  cruel ;  she  could  tell  with  Dick, 
for  he  asked  only  interest,  but  what  puzzled  her  so  about 
Bruce  ?  Ought  she  to  tell  him  just  how  matters  stood  ? 
How  could  she  ?  Delicacy  seemed  to  revolt  at  the  thought. 
And  all  the  others,  Emma,  Fay,  who  were  so  unconscious 
of  any  stronger  interest ! 

She  was  driving  up  to  Middleville  one  afternoon  with 
Uncle  Robert,  who  watched  the  shadows  come  and  go  on 
her  fair  face,  and  the  perturbed  little  lines  that  settled  on 
her  brow  and  compressed  her  soft  red  lips. 

"  Well,  what  is  it?"  he  asked,  presently. 

Kathie  colored  a  vivid  scarlet,  and  her  eyes  blurred  with 
a  weariness  near  to  tears.  The  utter  joyousness  that 
should  be  in  the  day  and  in  her  soul  was  not  here  ;  there 
was  a  vague  sense  of  disturbance,  as  if  something  not 
quite  true  in  the  relative  adjustment  of  atoms  had  strayed 
in  and  the  currents  were  displaced. 

"  You  know,"  very  tenderly,  "that  I  have  always  been 
your  father  confessor." 

"Yes.  I  wish  you  understood  without  the  telling.  It 
is  so  tangled." 

"  We  will  straighten  it  out,  then.  Have  you  and  Charlie 
found—" 

"Oh,  it  isn't  Charlie,  Uncle  Robert!  He  is  always 
generous,  and  sure,  and  untroubled.  It  is  because  I  don't 
know  and  can't  tell  how  much  there  ought  to  be ;  where 
the  lines  should  cross  sharply,  and  where  they  should  run 
parallel.  I  wish  —  it  had  all  been  left  until  next  summer." 

"  I  wish  so,  too,  my  darling.  But  you  know  how  often 
visions  vanish  when  you  put  forth  your  hand  boldly." 
And  he  smiled,  with  the  persuasive  light  of  sj-mpathy  in 
his  eyes. 

"  I  want  to  be  entirely  true.  No  one  dreams  of  my 
being  not  quite  free.  Emma  was  talking  a  few  days  ago 
of  the  future,  and  balancing  claims,  as  it  were,  and  when  she 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  169 

spoke  of  Charlie  as  one  of  the  —  the  improbable  ones/ 
and  Kathie  gave  a  little  ghost  of  a  smile,  "  it  seemed  not 
quite  fair.  "Was  it  just  to  him  ?  No  one  appears  to  think 
we  are  any  more  than  friends." 

"  "Well,  what  would  you  like?  to  have  the  engagement 
announced?" 

"  Oh,  no  !  "  A  little  sort  of  shiver  ran  over  her  as  if 
she  shrank  from  that,  and  her  uncle  remarked  it  with  dis- 
may. "  I  must  be  unreasonable,  am  I  not?  I  don't  un- 
derstand myself.  And  I  can't  have  the  un-knowledge,  can 
I  ?  "  smiling  again  faintly.  "  But  here  is  what  puzzles  me 
most :  I  want  to  write  to  Bruce.  Ought  I  to  tell  him?" 

"You  want  to  write  to  Bruce?"  Uncle  Robert  re- 
peated the  works  in  a  curiously  emphatic  manner,  not 
turning  his  eyes  on  Kathie,  but  noting  every  movement 
of  her  face,  nevertheless. 

"  Oh,  I  asked  Charlie  if  he  would  rather  not  have  me," 
she  answered  quickly,  but  with  no  show  of  emotion.  "  He 
considers  it  foolish  to  —  to  crowd  every  one  else  out  Then 
he  wants  to  be  friends  with  Bruce  always.  He  likes  him 
so  much,  even  if  he  is  not  as  enthusiastic  as  Rob  about 
him.  He  likes  all  brave,  manly,  earnest  men,  and  he  is  so 
earnest  himself,  so  quick  to  give  of  his  best.  And  he  said 
we  were  in  a  way  related,  which  is  true,  but  —  I  can't  help 
it,  I  want  Bruce  to  know  just  how  it  stands.  I  am  quite 
sure  he  would  tell  me  of  such  an  event  in  his  life." 

Was  that  all  her  reason  for  wanting  him  to  know? 
Uncle  Robert  studied  the  fair  face,  whose  color  fluttered 
under  his  watchful  eye.  There  was  "no  part  of  the 
price  "  kept  back  now,  or,  if  so,  it  was  done  quite  unknow- 
ingly, in  bravest  innocence. 

"  Yes,  I  should  tell  him." 

"  But  how  ?  "  She  blushed  distressfully.  ' '  It  would  be 
so  queer  to  blurt  it  out  —  " 

"You  are  not  much  given  to  'blurting  out,'  Kathie," 
he  answered  gravely.  "  It  would  be  like  telling  a  brother." 


170  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  But  we  did  n't  even  tell  Rob.  Mamma  was  afraid  he 
might  tease  a  little  or  be  not  quite  discreet.  But  Bruce 
is  so  far  away,  and  Aunt  Ruth  will  know.  He  might  feel 
hurt." 

Was  she  in  love  if  she  did  not  even  know  how  to  confess 
her  lover  ? 

"  It  is  best  that  he  should  know.  About  the  others, 
Kathie,  I  think  you  had  better  settle  to  a  wise  silence,  and 
then  put  it  quite  out  of  your  mind,  as  Charlie's  secret,  if 
you  please,  which  you  have  no  right  to  make  known  at 
present.  I  think  you  have  been  nursing  a  little  ultra  con- 
scientiousness, and  the  end  would  be  a  wretched  state  of 
indecision.  There  are  times  in  life  when  we  just  go  for- 
ward, as  the  children  of  Israel  were  bidden  to  do.  It  is 
very  reprehensible  to  deny  an  engagement,  as  I  have 
known  girls  to  do,  but  simply  to  keep  silence  when  no  one 
questions  you  is  not  a  matter  of  deception.  I  want  you 
to  be  happy,  content.  Remember  that  this  is  in  some  re- 
spects my  year  as  well,  that  I  shall  have  to  give  you  up 
in  man}7  ways,  hereafter,  and  so  we  must  take  comfort 
together." 

She  smiled  through  her  tears.  Yes,  there  were  other 
duties  and  loves.  Had  she  not  been  rolling  up  a  mountain 
to  overshadow  herself  ? 

They  had  reached  the  Strongs'  by  this  time,  and  Sarah 
was  doubly  anxious  to  see  Kathie.  The  marriage  had  not 
been  announced,  but  just  suffered  to  be  made  known,  and 
had  created  more  than  a  ripple.  Perhaps  at  the  bottom  it 
traversed  too  many  secret  hopes  to  be  cordially  received. 

The  grave,  quiet  man,  rather  shy  of  ladies  in  general, 
and  shutting  himself  in  his  study  when  meetings  were  ap- 
pointed at  the  parsonage,  had  so  held  his  even  tenor  that 
no  one  could  justly  take  hope.  Even  after  the  surmises 
there  was  a  great  amount  of  incredulity,  and  now  it  was 
shomi  in  the  utter  lack  of  cordial  welcome,  except  among 
Sarah's  young  friends. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  171 

"  We  are  to  be  married  in  church,  at  ten  in  the  morn- 
ing,"  said  Sarah.  "  There  will  be  a  kind  of  general  invi- 
tation," and  she  smiled  rather  archly,  "  so  no  one  can 
really  slight  us  if  they  desire  to  remain  away.  I  wanted 
to  be  married  at  home,  but  Mr.  Truesdell  was  not  willing, 
and  I  think  now  his  way  is  best.  Then  we  shall  go  away 
and  forget  all  the  dissatisfaction  for  some  happy  days. 
After  that,  trying  to  do  our  duty,  and  living  in  peace  so  far 
as  we  are  allowed." 

Kathie  added  her  little  gift  to  the  simple  and  becoming 
wardrobe,  which  had  been  selected  with  excellent  judg- 
ment. 

"And  I  shall  have  some  pretty  articles  for  my  new 
home,"  said  Sarah,  with  pardonable  pride.  "  I  want  to 
make  the  old  house  look  homelike  and  enjoyable.  James 
has  been  making  me  a  really  beautiful  easel  and  a  set  of 
pretty  shelves,  a  sort  of  cabinet.  Since  I  have  known 
you  I  have  been  collecting  pictures  and  books,  and  doing 
needle-work,  so  it  will  not  seem  strange  over  there  to 
see  some  of  the  familiar  reminders.  It  is  so  gray  and 
barren  within,  yet  I  think  it  might  be  made  a  lovely  old 
place.  Only  once  in  a  while  it  comes  into  my  mind,  what 
if  they  should  n't  want  Mr.  Truesdell  to  remain  afterward  ?  " 

"  Oh,  they  could  n't  be  so  hateful !  it  would  be  just  that ! " 
cried  Kathie  indignantly.  "  Why,  if  you  are  good  enough 
to  sing  and  play  in  church,  and  to  teach  their  children, 
and  visit  them  —  " 

"But  all  that  is  not  being  set  over  them.  It  does 
appear  narrow  and  foolish,  does  it  not  ?  And  yet  in  country 
places  party  lines  are  very  strong.  We  shall  just  trust 
and  work,  and  endeavor  to  make  our  lives  larger.  I  am 
beginning  to  think  the  victory  worth  trying  for,  at  any  rate. 
And  what  shall  separate  us  from  that  larger  Love  ?  " 

"  Not  powers  or  principalities,"  said  Kathie,  softly  kiss* 
ing  the  glowing  cheek ;  "or  things  present." 

"  And  we  must  in  some  degree  determine  the  things  to 


172  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

come,  but  not  by  impatience  or  self-assertion.  Oh,  I  won. 
der  if  I  can  always !  I  shall  have  to  hold  close  by  th« 
great  truths,  the  greater  love." 

Cousin  Ellen,  too,  had  a  confidence  for  Kathie,  when  she 
could  be  spared. 

"  I  suppose  this  all  looks  like  a  very  foolish  fuss  to  you, 
Miss  Kathie,"  she  began,  "  this  barring  out  and  putting 
up  social  fences.  I  wish  it  had  been  Sarah's  lot  to  marrjr 
differently,  but  they  love  each  other,  and  it  has  so  come 
about.  In  some  other  place  they  might  be  very  happy, 
but  here  it  will  be  continual  warfare,  and  no  foes  are  so 
cruel  as  those  of  man's  own  household  or  his  church.  I 
wonder  sometimes  how  much  good  religion  really  does  us, 
or  rather  how  we  can  take  in  so  much  and  get  so  little  of 
the  true  spirit,  the  divine  wisdom  !  But  I  did  n't  mean  to 
preach  a  sermon ;  I  had  a  favor  to  ask,  instead.  I  am 
afraid  there  will  not  be  any  real  hearty  welcome  for  the 
poor  girl  when  she  comes  home,  and  I  am  thinking  of  fix- 
ing up  the  old  place  a  bit,  so  it  will  look  cheery.  If  you 
could  come  up  one  day  amd  give  me  a  few  hints,  after  her 
belongings  are  taken  over  there." 

"  Oh,  I  should  so  like  to  come,  even  if  my  hints  should 
not  be  of  great  importance !  "  Kathie  answered  eagerly. 

"There's  a  parlor,  study,  and  sleeping-room  on  one 
side  of  the  hall.  The  paper  is  very  dingy,  and  James  and  I 
have  decided  to  re-paper  the  study  and  chamber.  I  won- 
der where  I  'd  be  most  likely  to  find  pretty  paper !  Those 
two  rooms  will  be  so  much  to  her." 

"  Suppose  I  send  you  the  paper?  I  would  like  to  do  a 
little  —  " 

44  Oh,  you  are  too  generous  !  "We  could  n't  afford  any- 
thing expensive,  but  pretty  snd  cheerful.  There  is  an  old- 
fashioned  Franklin  in  the  study,  and  a  high  mantel  with 
pictures  set  round,  just  as  they  are  beginning  to  do  again. 
Sarah  was  reading  about  it." 

"Tiling,"  said   Kathie.      "Why.  you  make   me   quite 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  173 

curious  to  see  it.  If  you  would  n't  mind,  I  think  Uncle 
Robert  could  send  for  the  paper,  if  you  will  learn  how 
much  is  needed.  And  —  is  there  anything  else?" 

"'  You  will  come  up  to  the  marriage,  surely?" 

"  Of  course."     And  Kathie  smiled. 

"  We  might  ge  in  and  see  the  rooms  then.  T  don't  sup- 
pose the  congregation  want  to  do  anything ;  but  they  may 
get  up  a  little  home- welcome  afterward.  It  takes  away  so 
much  of  the  tender  joy  to  have  people  cold  and  indifferent. 
There,  I  must  not  keep  you  another  moment.  Sarah  will 
wonder." 

Kathie  was  quite  thoughtful  going  home,  but  it  was  not 
about  herself.  Presently  she  informed  Uncle  Robert  of 
the  plans,  and  he  readily  agreed. 

"  Mamma,"  she  said,  the  next  day,  "  we  must  all  go  up 
to  Sarah's  marriage.  I  mean  to  ask  Emma,  and  Mr.  Lang- 
don,  and  Jessie.  We  shall  be  quite  an  imposing  array, 
and  the  disaffected  at  Middleville  will  see  that  there  are 
people  to  do  her  honor." 

"  Mrs.  Alston  smiled.  She  was  glad  to  see  her  child 
ready  to  do  honor  unto  "  the  least  of  these."  In  all  these 
things  she  was  fitting  herself  for  the  new  life.  Kathie  had 
always  been  a  little  different,  and  Charlie  as  well,  and  in 
this  matter  there  would  be  a  perfect  blending. 

Charlie  was  very  much  interested  when  he  came  to  hear 
of  the  plans,  and  Emma  wondered  if  they  could  not  all  join 
and  do  something. 

"  I  shall  have  to  get  back  in  the  old  ways  and  works," 
she  said,  with  a  tender,  wistful  smile.  "  We  have  just 
been  existing  for  ourselves,  seeing,  hearing,  doing  for  our 
own  pleasure  and  benefit.  But  we  cannot  any  of  us  afford 
to  narrow  our  lives  and  crowd  out,  instead  of  asking  in  to 
the  feast." 

"  Doubtless  no  one  would  take  it  amiss,"  returned  Char- 
lie, "  and  we  ought  to  wind  up  our  glad  summer  by  mak- 
ing a  bit  of  brightness  somewhere ;  though  it  will  be  the 


174  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

old  story  of  the  Fair,  and  Kathie  putting  the  right  grac* 
just  where  it  should  be,  and  so  surrounding  it  with  all  the 
little  helps  that  it  becomes  a  large  blessedness." 

"  And  that  shows  us  how  much  greater  one  of  the  '  little 
deeds'  often  is  than  the  penetration,  and  wisdom,  and  nice 
balancing  of  what  we  consider  possibilities,  proves.  I 
don't  beb'eve  an}*  of  us  would  have  said  that  evening  at  the 
Fair,  "Here  is  a  girl  who  has  strength  and  understanding, 
a  sense  of  beauty  and  harmony,  who  can  be  made  into  a 
teacher,  a  musician,  a  potent  influence  in  the  world,  by  the 
proffer  of  a  helping  hand." 

"But  I  didn't  think  so  at  all,"  said  Kathie,  between 
a  blush  and  a  little  laugh  of  embarrassment.  l '  I  hated  to 
have  her  and  her  mother  made  uncomfortable.  And  I 
remembered  times  when  some  pleasant  word  had  bridged 
over  a  trouble  for  me." 

"  The  doing  unto  others.  But  you  see  most  of  us  wait 
to  learn  what  measures  others  mean  to  deal  out  to  us,  and 
then  make  ours  conform.  You  always  seem  to  know  with 
3'our  nice  instinct  when  some  disturbance  in  the  spheres 
needs  to  be  adjusted,  and  to  have  the  wisdom  —  " 

"I  wonder,"  began  Charlie,  filling  in  the  pause  Emma 
made,  "if  it  is  not  just  this  :  '  Whatsoever  thy  hand  finds 
to  do,  do  it  with  all  thy  might ' ;  not  stopping  to  reason  or 
analyze,  or  wonder  about  the  end.  God  takes  care  of 
that  '  If  ye  do  His  will  ye  shall  know  of  the  doctrine/ 
not  the  doctrine  first." 

"  Quite  an  old-time  talk,"  said  Emma  presently.  "  It 
makes  us  all  feel  like  children  again.  I  am  beginning  to 
get  back  to  my  proper  self.  And  now  can't  we  all  go  up 
to  Middleville,  and  consult  this  cousin  who  has  the  matter 
in  hand?" 

They  drove  up  a  day  or  two  afterward.  Cousin  Ellen 
took  them  over  to  the  parsonage.  It  did  look  gray  and 
dingy.  New  paper  and  new  paint  for  the  rooms,  and  some 
modern  additions.  James  and  Ellen  would  see  to  the 
work. 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  175 

"  I  suppose,"  said  Emma,  as  they  were  homeward  bound, 
"  we  could  find  one  or  two  old  articles  that  could  be  fur- 
bished up  into  prettiness,  not  glaring  newness,  you  under- 
stand ;  that  would  look  dreadful  in  such  a  place.  I  think 
I  know  of  one  old  arm-chair  that  Mrs.  Adams  sent  out  to 
the  barn  yesterday .  A  little  cretonne  would  make  it  cosy 
and  presentable." 

"  And  I  '11  add  a  study  table,"  exclaimed  Charlie.  "  I 
know  of  one  that  can  be  altered  over  to  a  charm.  Perhaps 
I  may  find  something  else." 

Mr.  Meredith  chose  the  papers,  and  sent  them  down 
from  the  city.  They  were  soft  tones  and  appropriate. 
They  took  them  up  to  Cousin  Ellen  on  the  morning  of  the 
marriage,  and  she  was  to  send  word  back  as  soon  as  the 
work  was  done. 

Certainly  the  Brookside  people  made  quite  an  addition  to 
the  wedding  guests.  The  old  sexton  showed  them  to  the 
seats  of  honor,  and  they  filled  the  two  middle-aisle  pews. 
They  were  early,  and  it  was  quite  entertaining,  Emma 
declared,  to  see  the  air  with  which  most  of  the  assemblage 
settled  itself.  Disapproval  was  sternly  written  on  many 
of  the  elder  faces,  and  yet  curiosity  had  conquered  in 
several  instances.  The  young  people  and  the  school 
children  were  full  of  diffident  wonder.  The  minister's 
marriage  was  such  an  unusual  occurrence.  No  one 
remembered  any  similar  event. 

They  came  in  slowly,  gravely,  Sarah  pale  and  self- 
possessed,  ladylike  in  her  soft  gray  silk,  her  reverent  air, 
her  earnest,  serious  eyes,  the  refinement  in  every  line  of 
her  face.  It  seemed  to  Kathie  that  she  looked  greater, 
and  richer,  and  finer  than  Mr.  Truesdell,  with  all  the  years 
of  cultivation  behind  him. 

He  was  rather  ill  at  ease.  He  saw  the  unfriendly  eyes, 
even  if  they  were  not  facing  them  ;  but  she  thought  of  only 
two  things,  the  vows  she  was  making  to  God,  and  her 
husband,  till  death  parted  them.  ~** 


176  WHOM   KATHIE   MAKRIED. 

There  was  a  little  stir  of  congratulation  afterward,  but 
they  did  not  stop  long.  Those  who  carped  and  questioned 
would  have  a  fortnight  to  resolve  upon  theii  course.  Mrs. 
Alston's  party  paused  for  a  little  talk  with  Mrs.  Strong. 
Did  it  unconsciously  sway  opinion  ?  All  these  things  do 
with  weaker  and  more  calculating  souls.  These  refined, 
cultured  people,  with  their  larger  surroundings,  had  taken 
up  the  girl,  the  whole  family.  It  was  not  a  question  with 
them  whether  she  were  worthy,  but  whether  they  could 
afford  to  go  against  such  a  verdict.  Man}r  of  the  great 
things  of  life  begin  with  worldly  reasoning.  It  is  the 
sowing  beside  all  waters. 

James  Strong  and  Cousin  Ellen  had  it  all  their  own  way 
at  the  parsonage.  The  housekeeper  looked  on  grimly  ;  the 
little  girls  were  like  shy,  wild  kittens.  They  did  not  go 
beyond  the  two  rooms.  James  was  in  a  glow  of  delight. 
After  the  paper  was  on  and  the  painting  done  he  touched 
up  the  book-shelves  with  bits  of  moulding  and  an  ornament 
here  and  there.  Sarah  had  bought  a  new  carpet  for  her 
own  room,  and  they  moved  over  her  belongings.  Then 
they  covered  the  worn  study  carpet  with  mats,  and  the 
contributions  from  Brookside  quite  amazed  them.  Four 
easy-chairs,  and  a  study  table,  with  its  handsome  ink  and 
penholder,  racks  for  letters  and  pamphlets,  a  few  well- 
chosen  books  Charlie  had  added  with  his  store,  and  the 
place  took  on  a  cosy  homelikeness,  with  the  ripeness  of  the 
lovely  September  world  outside. 

He  was  very  glad  to  be  in  it  all  with  Kathie.  She  was 
living  in  the  present  and  for  her  friend.  What  Sarah 
would  think,  the  glad,  sweet  surprise  that  would  make  a 
sunshine  in  her  face  and  a  mist  of  tears  in  her  eyes,  the 
hours  of  delight  she  would  enjoy  there.  But  his  fancies 
ran  farther  off,  another  home,  a  keener,  sweeter  joy,  a 
time  when  all  things  should  be  given  to  him  richly  to  en- 
joy. And  he  was  glad,  with  a  touch  of  awesome  humility, 
that  it  was  far  off,  that  he  should  come  to  it  by  degrees, 
as  he  was  made  fit  and  worthy. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  177 

With  all  this,  and  the  preparations  at  home  for  Fred, 
Kathie  was  very  busy,  and  she  had  no  time  to  worry  about 
herself.  She  put  her  letter  to  Bruce  out  of  her  mind. 
Then  Charlie  and  Fred  said  their  good-byes  and  were  off, 
and  Emma  and  Mr.  Langdon  were  discussing  a  new  home. 
Everybody  seemed  to  take  their  plans  and  questions  over 
to  Cedarwood  for  definite  shaping.  In  the  midst  of  this  a 
note  came  from  Bruce.  He  had  been  greatly  disappointed 
at  the  change  of  plans,  and  very  busy  with  some  perplex- 
ing frontier  troubles.  The  two  in  California  were  having 
a  most  delightful  time.  Then  a  few  lines  called  a  bright 
flush  to  Kathie's  cheek.  *  Mother '  had  written  to  him 
about  her  engagement.  He  wished  her  all  joy,  all  happi- 
ness in  a  brief  sort  of  way,  as  if  at  present  it  was  a  subject 
not  to  be  talked  of  intimate 


CHAPTER  XV. 

THET  were  not  suffered  to  get  lonely  at  Cedmrwood, 
hardly  to  long  for  the  boyish  influences  gone  oat  from  them. 
Rob's  breezy  presence  had  made  a  continual  stir  in  the 
house,  and  his  absence  left  vacant  spaces  everywhere. 
Fred  was  so  much  quieter,  so  full  of  his  own  projects  and 
experiments,  sufficient  for  himself,  keeping  much  in  his 
own  room,  or  abroad,  diving  down  into  the  secrets  of 
nature  ;  alwaj^s  ready  and  companionable  if  wanted,  and, 
though  tuned  in  a  softer,  tenderer  key,  not  so  dependent 
on  sympathy  and  society  as  Rob  had  been.  Perhaps  even 
now  his  mother  missed  her  first  born  the  most. 

But  Uncle  Robert  was  so  identified  with  all  the  ways 
and  the  welfare  of  the  little  town  that  the  house  had  come 
to  be  a  sort  of  head  centre  ;  a  cosier  place  than  any  hall  or 
room  for  discussions.  Often  the  ladies  came  over  if  their 
husbands  had  an  errand  with  Mr.  Conover,  and  then  the 
young  folks  wanted  to  see  Kathie.  So  all  the  larger  living 
was  in  their  midst.  She  was  greatly  interested  in  the 
talk  about  mills  and  factories  and  what  was  best  for  the 
hands,  what  was  most  entertaining  and  most  profitable  for 
the  young  men,  what  was  to  make  the  best  citizens  for  the 
next  generation.  She  had  hardly  time  to  miss  anybody, 
even  dear  Aunt  Ruth. 

And  right  after  Sarah's  marriage  came  the  engagement 
of  Louise  Collamore  and  the  talk  of  a  marriage  in  the 
spring.  Mrs.  Collamore  had  taken  her  delicate  perplexi- 
ties to  Mrs.  Alston.  Louise  was  so  young,  so  much  less 
mature  than  Fay.  Mr.  Hunsdon  was  twelve  years  her 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  179 

senior,  and  somehow  she  could  not  bear  to  have  the  young- 
est go  first.  But  the  lover  was  very  much  in  earnest,  and 
began  to  build  a  nest  for  his  bonnie  bird. 

Kathie  watched  them  with  a  great  deal  of  interest. 
Louise  no  doubt  loved  him,  but  she  was  not  sentimental, 
hardly  as  tender  as  Fay.  Certainly  there  was  much  to  be 
proud  of,  and  she  wore  her  honors  in  that  wa}r,  as  if  she 
was  not  surprised  at  coming  into  a  sphere  of  consequence, 
and,  indeed,  believed  it  one  of  the  things  she  had  a  right 
to  expect. 

Through  this  time,  when  they  were  all  brought  into  such 
intimate  contact,  Kathie's  promise  gave  her  a  certain 
strength  and  decision.  She  was  not  her  own  any  more ; 
she  could  secretly  pit}T  and  sympathize  with  Eugene,  but 
when  it  came  to  a  certain  point  she  could  assert  her  self- 
reliance.  What  strange  wisdom  came  with  the  knowledge  ! 
She  used  to  think  of  herself  with  a  little  awe,  of  that  other 
self  which  was  not  really  hers  any  longer. 

Fay  was  puzzling  over  her,  still  with  a  hurt  feeling. 
Why  could  it  not  have  been,  she  asked  of  her  secret  soul. 

"  Eugene,"  she  said  softly,  one  evening,  "  I  think  she 
shows  that  her  heart  is  elsewhere.  It  may  be  all  unknown 
to  herself.  You  know  she  was  abroad  so  long  with  young 
Mackenzie,  and  he  is  no  real  relation,  but  just  near  enough 
to  give  a  sort  of  piquant  interest  to  the  connection.  If  he 
had  come  this  summer,  if  we  could  have  seen  them  to- 
gether —  " 

"No,"  Eugene  answered  moodily.  "I  don't  want  to 
see ;  I  don't  want  to  know.  I  am  glad  to  have  her 
alone  again,  to  feel  there  is  no  one  very  near.  I  had 
rather  love  her  all  my  life,  as  I  shall." 

Fay  sighed.  Would  Louise  so  love  against  hope? 
Would  any  one  else? 

The  Langdons  had  their  times  of  dUtBi&on  as  well. 
What  was  to  be  done?  Where  would  they  go?  For 
Emma's  sake  they  ought  to  be  in  a  city,  but  he  did  not 


180  WHOM    KATHIE 

love  cities,  and  since  he  had  enough  for  their  humble 
wants  why  should  he  toil,  and  moil,  and  worry  himself,  he 
asked,  whimsically. 

His  money  had  been  largely  invested  in  his  brother-in- 
law's  business.  Emma  had  been  quite  surprised  after  her 
marriage  to  find  how  really  wealthy  her  husband  was ; 
indeed,  no  one  had  suspected  it  from  his  simple  tastes  and 
leisurely  ways.  And  perhaps  this  was  why  the  pure- 
hearted  3roung  girl,  with  no  undercurrent  of  selfishness,  had 
moved  him  so  strongly  in  that  past  year,  when  many  chords 
of  his  better  nature  had  been  touched. 

"  I  am  sure  I  could  be  contented  here  always,"  said 
Emma.  "  I  am  not  half  tired.  And  we  might  have  our 
real  home  here,  with  holidays  in  the  cities.  I  am  not  sure 
but  we  could  do  as  much  here  as  anj'where.  Mr.  Conover 
is  always  busy.  I  don't  know  what  Brookside  would  be 
without  him." 

So  they  settled  about  the  real  home.  It  was  to  be  pretty 
and  artistic,  so  that,  when  Emma  was  very  famous,  people 
could  make  pilgrimages  hither.  They  studied  books,  they 
drew  plans,  they  talked  over  Mr.  Hunsdon's  ideas,  and 
rambled  about  during  the  splendid  autumn  weather,  always 
taking  Kathie  when  they  could  get  her. 

The  Merediths  returned  to  the  city.  Mrs.  Alston  and 
Kathie  would  go  up  for  a  good  long  holiday  visit,  music, 
lectures,  and  other  amusements.  Aunt  Ruth  would  be  back 
then.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Langdon  would  board  for  a  while, 
and  it  would  be  home  to  them  with  the  familiar  faces. 

They  had  not  forgotten  Mrs.  Truesdell  with  all  this  of 
their  very  own.  It  was  not  their  way  to  drop  one  out  of 
daily  living. 

Sarah  had  come  home  at  the  appointed  time,  and  gone 
quietly  to  the  parsonage.  Some  sort  of  home  welcome  or 
tea  drinking  had  been  discussed,  but  none  of  the  parties 
could  agree,  and  the  plan  had  fallen  through.  It  was  much 
more  enjoyable  to  Sarah  to  come  in  and  take  her  place  at 


WHOM   mTHIE    MARRIED.  181 

once  as  a  wife  and  a  mother.  And  oh,  the  glad  surprise 
of  the  cosy  rooms,  the  joy  of  the  delicate  little  note  lying 
on  the  study  table,  with  the  best  wishes  of  friends !  It 
could  never  be  lonely  or  narrow  after  that. 

"  We  will  do  our  duty  and  our  best,"  Mr.  Truesdell  saia, 
"  and  leave  the  rest  to  God.  If  it  should  seem  tkat  my 
work  is  finished  here,  there  are  other  fields.  I  might  have 
made  a  change,  in  any  event." 

Was  there  something  real  and  vital  in  his  Sunday's 
sermon?  Had  his  own  soul  been  touched  with  the 
sights  and  sounds,  the  new  life  he  had  entered  into,  the 
depth  and  fulness  ?  Surely  there  was  no  fault  to  find  ;  one 
and  another  pressed  his  hand  cordially,  as  he  came  down 
the  aisle  afterward,  with  his  wife  on  his  arm,  and  the  men 
gave  him  good  wishes  rather  awkwardly.  They  had  noth- 
ing against  this  fresh  young  girl  by  his  side.  The  women 
were  a  little  more  cautious.  And  yet  it  was  done.  Facts 
must  be  accepted. 

There  were  many  little  slights  to  take  from  "the  best 
people,"  the  ones  who  considered  themselves  of  most 
importance  in  point  of  wealth  and  religion.  But  there 
were  delights  on  the  other  side  for  Sarah.  It  was  not  so 
bad  to  stand  between,  after  all.  Brookside  came  up,  and 
the}'  went  down  to  it,  and  gathered  new  friends  among  the 
clergy  and  various  others.  And  when  Middleville  began 
to  feel  itself  crowded  out,  it  made  haste  to  assert  its  own 
rights,  to  secure  its  own  footing. 

The  most  delightful  of  all  was  Mr.  Strong's  Christmas 
gift  to  his  daughter  of  a  beautiful  piano.  He  had  con- 
sidered it  a  long  while.  It  was  a  good  deal  of  money  for 
plain  farmer  people,  but  he  had  no  fear  now  of  Sarah  out- 
growing her  place  or  station,  or  feeling  ashamed  of  the 
home  folks.  Hers  was  a  wider  sphere,  a  larger  space,  and 
brought  an  increase,  not  a  narrowing  of  s'oTW 

He  came  down  to  consult  Kathie,  and  was  to  meet  her 
in  New  York  for  the  purchase.  She  and  Mrs.  Meredith 


182  WHOM  KATHIE   MlERIED. 

accompanied  him,  and,  though  he  was  sadly  bewildered,  he 
managed  to  acquit  himself  very  well. 

"  Sarah  has  been  a  good  girl  and  deserves  it  all,"  he 
said.  "Miss  Kathie,  if  there  were  more  people  in  the 
world  willing  to  share  their  good  things  with  you,  we 
should  all  get  on  faster,  I  'm  thinking.  And  she  '11  make 
hers  go  a  good  way.  I  think  the  Lord  has  put  her  in  just 
the  right  place,  and  He  made  her  good  and  ready  for  it. 
I  do  believe  you  and  she  would  convert  the  world  if  you 
started  out  on  a  missionary  tour." 

Kathie  smiled,  with  a  dewy  lustre  in  her  eyes. 

Mr.  Strong  went  home  with  a  great  many  new  thoughts 
in  his  mind  that  would  bring  forth  good  fruit  at  the  right 
season.  He  was  not  given  to  hurrying  Providence. 

But  Sarah's  letter  to  Kathie  afterward  was  one  paean  of 
delight,  not  only  concerning  the  piano,  but  the  "  pleasant 
visit  father  had  with  you  all." 

Kathie's  holidays  in  the  city  were  full  of  enjoyment. 
Something  a  little  larger  and  deeper  than  before,  new 
thoughts  and  opinions,  graver  questions  to  take  hold  of. 
Mrs.  Gamier  was  forming  a  little  circle  where  people 
dropped  in  two  evenings  a  week,  sure  of  finding  her,  and 
generally  the  doctor,  and  talked  over  the  questions  and 
ideas  that  were  stirring  the  world,  sifting  theories  and 
beliefs.  Dick  Gra}~son,  who  was  now  reading  law,  was  a 
frequent  visitor,  and  Fred  was  delighted  beyond  measure 
at  being  counted  in. 

Charlie  came  occasionally. 

"After  all,"  he  said  to  Kathie,  "  it  is  the  old,  old  story, 
the  trying  on  of  ideas  and  beliefs  that  the  world  used 
centuries  ago.  The  conditions  only  are  new,  it  is  the  souls 
that  are  fresh,  and  not  the  ideas,  and  yet  the  souls  take 
them  up  as  some  new  discovery,  and  try  their  utmost  to 
disentangle,  to  find  a  way  out  by  the  many  devious  paths, 
quite  forgetting  that  some  one  said,  centuries  ago,  as  well, 
'  Behold,  I  show  you  a  more  excellent  way.'  And  yet  we 
are  so  slow  coming  to  the  more  excellent  way."  *, 


MARRIED.  183 

Fred  was  quite  caught  and  fascinated  by  it.  He  came 
to  listen  always,  he  declared ;  yet  he  would  sit  with  his 
soft,  bright  eyes  all  alert  as  they  tossed  their  brilliant  talk 
to  and  fro,  giving  the  differing  opinions  that  had  come  slowly 
through  the  years  and  been  proved  as  well  as  disproved 
hundreds  of  times.  Not  because  of  no  truth  ;  there  were 
fine,  solemn  grains  of  truth  in  it  all  along ;  the  stone 
rejected  at  one  time  came  to  be  the  foundation  stone  at 
another. 

Dr.  Markham  went  a  little  further  than  this  one  even- 
ing. 

"  I  wonder,"  he  said,  "  with  all  thia  science  and  meta- 
physics, if  they  could  do  just  what  was  done  to  her?" 
nodding  towards  Ada.  "  If  Dr.  Garnier  had  come  in  and 
tried  to  rouse  her,  and  offered  her  the  love  of  a  true  man, 
not  gilded  over  with  wealth,  would  she  have  gone  out  of 
that  dismal  room  for  his  sake?  Why,  it  would  have 
seemed  so  much  Sanscrit  to  her ;  she  would  n't  have  known 
what  to  do  with  it !  Or  if  they  had  talked  science,  and 
evolution,  and  brain,  and  nervous  system,  taken  out  their 
souls,  or  what  they  thought  were  their  souls,  and  analyzed 
the  component  parts,  would  that  have  helped  her?  And 
yet  you  did  it  that  summer  between  you  all,  the  little 
touches  of  mother  love  and  wisdom  which  she  never  had 
in  her  own  life  helping  and  strengthening.  There  is 
something  simpler  than  the  old  philosophies,  after  all.  I 
don't  know  but  we  're  in  danger  of  losing  it  again,  only 
it  never  has  been  wholly  lost  these  eighteen  hundred  years. 
Some  one  always  holds  the  clew  and  guides  the  soul  out 
to  day.  I  suppose  it  is  natural  to  take  a  great  race  out 
on  the  highway,  but  we  do  get  tired  of  the  dust,  and  the 
heat,  and  the  stir,  and  in  the  afternoon  of  life  are  glad  to 
come  back  to  the  shade,  and  the  quiet,  \id  the  strength 
not  our  own. 

Yet  Mrs.  Garnier  had  grown  into  a  very  attractive 
society  woman,  as  one  side  of  society  was  rapidly  becom- 


184  WHOM    KATHIE    l^KRIED. 

ing.  She  was  in  the  centre  again,  and  this  brought  out 
her  best  efforts.  It  was  not  by  self-assertion  this  time,  but 
the  tact  that  had  come  from  a  finer  breeding,  the  seed  sown 
in  her  soul  through  that  dreary  time  of  j'outhful  despair, 
and,  though  it  had  not  brought  forth  its  best  fruit,  it  was 
going  on  unconsciously.  But  at  present  it  was  the  readi- 
ness and  grace,  the  harmony  that  passes  current  in  the 
world  for  deeper  wisdom. 

Kathie's  stay  was  not  to  be  all  in  scientific  or  artistic 
realms.  The  Collamores  came  clown  for  Christmas  and  to 
buy  wedding  garments.  Mr.  Hunsdon  and  Louise  drifted 
into  Mrs.  Garnier's  circle,  Fay  and  Kathie  had  lovely,  long 
evenings  to  themselves,  and  Rob  made  a  flying  visit  of  a 
few  days,  having  been  sent  on  business.  There  were  shop- 
ping, amusement,  and  gayety,  and  with  Kathie's  gift  for 
entering  so  wholly  into  the  wishes  and  enjoyments  of 
others  she  scarcely  thought  of  herself. 

Charlie  Darrell  looked  on,  with  a  curious  feeling  at  his 
heart.  Would  she  ever  have  any  true  life  of  her  own  ? 

Rob  was  very  well,  and  almost  restlessly  energetic ;  a 
good  sign,  his  uncle  took  it.  being  more  like  the  normal 
state  of  his  youth.  It  was  not  well  to  grow  old  too  fast. 
Charlie  delicately  stood  aside  and  let  him  monopolize 
Kathie,  though  it  seemed  quite  odd  for  him  to  show  so 
much  regard. 

The  bright  party  broke  up  presently.  Jessie  declared 
she  had  had  no  good  of  it  at  all,  and  insisted  on  keeping 
Kathie  a  fortnight  longer,  perhaps  with  a  little  sisterly 
feeling  that  Charlie  had  not  enjoyed  quite  his  full  share  of 
her  visit. 

Kathie  thought  at  first  she  could  not  stay.  Then  word 
came  that  Aunt  Ruth  was  on  her  way,  but  could  only 
spend  a  few  days  in  New  York,  as  the  General  had  urgent 
business  in  Washington.  So  Mrs.  Alston  remained  with 
her. 

They    were   all    delighted   to    see   Aunt    Ruth    again. 


WHOM   K£THIE    MARRIED.  185 

She  was  looking  a  little  pale  and  worn,  but  sweeter  than 
ever,  it  seemed  to  Kathie.  General  Mackenzie  took  Kathie 
in  his  arms  and  held  her  in  a  long,  tender  embrace,  kiss- 
ing the  white  forehead  again  and  again  with  a  strange 
solemnity  that  moved  the  child  deeply,  as  if  it  touched  an 
undercurrent  of  soul  answering  to  something  she  could  not 
quite  understand. 

"  O  Aunt  Ruth,"  she  began,  one  morning,  "why  was  it 
Bruce  could  n't  come  last  summer?  Would  he  have  felt 
awkward  without  you  and  uncle?  It  was  such  a  lovely 
time.  Rob  was  dreadfully  disappointed.  I  think  every- 
body missed  him  in  a  way,  or  wanted  him." 

"  But  you  had  so  much  on  your  hands,  and  there  was 
the  newness  about  Charlie,"  Aunt  Ruth  said  very  gently. 

"  I  do  not  think  it  made  very  much  difference,  Aunt 
Ruth,"  was  the  slow  answer. 

"  You  know  it  is  not  quite  an  engagement,  and  Uncle 
Robert  was  n't  willing  ;  but  then  Charlie  thought  it  right, 
too,"  she  went  on  rather  incoherently.  "We  were  to  go 
on  just  the  same,  and,  indeed,  I  did  n't  have  time  for  any- 
thing else,"  she  continued,  smiling  through  a  rising  flush. 

The  love  of  youth  and  association ;  was  it  anything 
deeper?  Aunt  Ruth  wondered.  Yet  her  heart  ached  for  the 
other  one,  withheld  by  the  finest  sense  of  honor,  a  chain 
that  could  have  no  flawed  link,  that  would  hold  anoth- 
er's right  sacredly  true  through  any  pang.  "  It  might  as 
well  have  been,"  she  cried  in  her  secret  heart,  woman  like. 

Dr.  Markham  took  her  to  task  for  languor. 

"  You  have  quite  overdone  the  matter,"  said  he.  ' '  When 
I  consented  to  your  dancing  on  the  lawn  I  did  n't  mean 
you  to  turn  into  a  fashionable  tourist,  and  go  galloping  all 
over  the  world.  The  next  thing  we  shall  hear  of  will  be  a 
volume  of  travels."  ^k 

"I  think  I  shall  leave  the  volumes  and  toe  experiences 
to  younger  people.  I  have  been  quite  content  to  enjoy, 
and  am  fully  satisfied  with  my  rambles.  The  General 


186  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

expects  to  resign  his  commission  this  spring,  and  we  shall 
settle  down  into  quiet  old  people." 

"Not  so  fast!  not  so  fast!"  cried  the  doctor  eagerly. 
"You  women  run  to  extremes.  There  ought  to  be  some 
grand  middle  life  before  one  begins  to  go  down  the  hill. 
The  young  folks  must  not  crowd  us  out  of  everything." 

"  How  lovely  it  will  be  for  you  to  have  a  real  home  !  " 
Kathie  said  afterward.  "  Only  it  seems  as  if  Bruce  ought 
to  be  in  it." 

Aunt  Ruth's  answer  was  a  gentle  sigh. 

Kathie  dreamed  a  little.  If  Bruce  came,  and  married  ; 
everybody  did  sooner  or  later,  and  there  were  children 
growing  up  in  the  house.  There  was  Fay  and  some  of 
the  new  girls  at  Brookside,  as  well  as  several  charming 
ones  in  the  city  that  she  had  come  to  know,  but  out  of 
them  all  she  could  not  choose  any  one  to  her  mind.  For 
an  instant  she  was  back  in  Rome,  saying  her  good  by.  If 
he  could  have  stayed  with  them  !  A  strange  tide  seemed  to 
carry  her  swiftly  out  to  unknown  depths,  a  broad  oceae 
she  had  not  traversed  before. 

They  went  home  presently  and  took  up  the  old  wide- 
spread living.  Mr.  Hunsdon's  house  approached  comple- 
tion, and  the  marriage  took  place.  The  Collamore  house 
was  full  of  cousins  and  guests,  and  Louise  oddly  enter- 
taining with  the  importance  of  her  new  position,  ruling 
Fay  and  everj'body  with  bits  of  superior  wisdom  that  were 
as  new  to  her  experience  as  if  they  had  never  been  ut- 
tered. There  was  much  gay  talk,  and  jesting,  and  innu- 
merable discussions  on  the  aesthetics  of  house-furnishing. 
Queen  Anne  houses  were  coming  in,  and  the  old  things 
were  going  out. 

Even  Eugene  was  drawn  into  it.  Kathie  could  not  help 
relaxing  a  little  of  her  carefulness.  It  seemed  quite  ab- 
surd that  one  should  go  on  caring  with  no  hope.  And 
soon  everybody  would  know. 

But  he  said  to  Fay,  "  If  the  Mackenzies  are  here  this 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  187 

summer  the  young  lieutenant  will  be  sure  to  come  on  if 
he  cares  for  her.  And  a  year  will  certainly  convince 
Kathie  that  I  do  not  mean  to  forget." 

Fay  had  known  so  few  unhappy  loves  in  her  short  life. 
There  were  times  when  it  seemed  to  her  that  this  must 
come  out  right  by  the  very  force  of  its  fidelity. 

When  Louise  was  gone,  Fay  and  Kathie  seemed  to 
draw  closer  together.  The  spring  daj'S  were  growing  so 
long,  and  there  were  bits  of  lonely  evenings.  They  liked 
so  to  have  her  at  the  Alstons'.  Then  Aunt  Ruth  came 
home,  and  to  Kathie  it  was  a  breath  of  the  old-time 
sweetness. 

"  She  is  quite  worn  out,"  said  the  General,  "  and  you 
must  nurse  her  back  to  bloom  and  strength,  Kathie,  or  we 
shall  hear  from  Dr.  Markham.  There  has  been  so  much 
society  in  Washington,  so  much  going  about  everywhere, 
that  we  shall  be  very  glad  of  a  little  rest." 

It  was  so  natural  to  have  Aunt  Ruth,  to  see  her  lying  on 
the  sofa,  to  take  her  to  drive  in  the  pony  carriage,  to  tell 
her  little  bits  of  the  happenings  and  changes,  and  yet  at 
first  it  seemed  to  Kathie  as  if  they  had  drifted  so  far 
apart.  The  little  heart  things,  the  deep  tendernesses,  the 
real  intimate  life  did  not  seem  to  glow  within,  although  the 
outside  was  unchanged.  Was  it  because  childhood  was 
over  and  maturity  was  coming?  When  one  could  walk 
alone  one  was  on  longer  held  up  by  watchful  hands.  She 
was  left  to  hold  herself  up,  to  decide  many  things,  to  grow 
stronger  by  the  exercise.  If  there  was  any  other  reason 
she  could  not  see  it  then. 

At  Easter  Charlie  Darrell  was  ordained.  Kathie  and  her 
mother  went  down  for  a  few  da}-s'  stay.  To  her  it  was  a 
very  solemn  service,  bringing  before  her  ^he  life  and  the 
work  that  were  to  be  hers  presently.  SaralrRad  made  it  so 
large,  and  sacred,  and  was  working  it  out  in  her  sphere 
with  an  energy  that  seemed  like  inspiration  in  its  wisdom, 
its  tenderness.  What  could  she  do?  In  the  shelter  of  her 


188  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

own  home  she  might  be  brave,  but  in  the  great  world  — 
Well,  there  were  times  when  she  had  taken  up  the  cross 
and  borne  witness,  only  now  it  seemed  to  be  from  outside 
pressure  rather  than  any  of  her  own  choosing.  Could  she 
make  it  her  soul's  earnest  desire  ? 

They  had  one  little  talk  about  it.  They  so  rarely  talked 
of  their  own  selves  that  Kathie  stood  tremulous  and 
abashed,  as  on  the  verge  of  a  strange  experience. 

"I  am  almost  afraid,"  she  cried  softly.  "What  if  1 
should  fail  and  mistake  the  way !  O  Charlie,  it  seems 
now  as  if  }'ou  needed  some  one  larger  of  soul,  more  in 
earnest,  wiser  —  " 

"'He  giveth  liberally.'  It  is  not  our  strength,  }'ou 
know,  and  we  are  not  to  come  to  it  all  at  once  ;  that  is,  the 
blessedness.  You  must  not  worry  over  it ;  as  you  are  I 
want  you.  And  when  we  take  up  the  work  together,  shall 
I  not  be  there  to  help  you  bear  any  burden  ?  We  shall 
have  the  long,  lovely  summer  to  talk  it  all  over,  and 
you  will  be  glad,  Kathie,  you  will  rejoice  in  my  joy.  Love 
could  not  do  otherwise." 

It  was  love  ;  it  must  be.  Kathie  drew  near  in  great 
awe,  as  to  a  sacrament. 

"  Mamma,"  she  said,  a  day  or  two  after,  "  when  Charlie 
comes  down  to  Brookside,  would  it  not  be  better  to  tell 
the  truth  about  ourselves,  or  at  least  let  it  be  known.  I 
cannot  bear  to  be  in  a  false  position.  It  was  very  well 
last  year,  but  now  I  want  to  think  of  it,  to  make  myself 
ready  for  my  future  life." 

Mrs.  Alston  pressed  her  to  her  heart.  After  all,  it 
would  come  hard  to  give  up  her  darling. 

"  Yes,"  she  made  answer  softly.  "  It  would  be  as 
well.  But  there  need  be  no  hurry  about  the  marriage.  I 
was  to  keep  you  two  years,  you  know." 

"I  should  like  to  stay  always,"  and  there  was  a  little 
sob  in  her  voice.  Oh,  vfhy  had  she  promised? 

"  '  For  this  cause  they  shall  leave  father  and  mother,'  * 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  189 

Mrs.  Alston  returned  in  a  tender  tone.  "  It  is  right  and 
natural,  Kathie,  and  }retit  seems  a  great  parting,  when  you 
have  always  been  so  much  to  us.  But  you  are  sadly  ner- 
vous and  excited.  You  have  had  too  much  on  your  mind 
of  late." 

Charlie  had  promised  to  take  some  mission  duty  for 
a  friend  who  was  going  away  for  a  brief  rest.  But  his 
first  summons  to  Brookside  was  not  the  glad  mission  of 

joy- 

And  yet  it  was  a  peaceful  sorrow.  Grandmother  Darrell, 
full  of  years  and  good  works,  went  fearlessly  over  the 
swelling  river.  She  had  been  rather  poorly  all  winter,  fail- 
ing imperceptibly.  Her  great  desire  had  been  to  know 
that  her  darling  had  been  consecrated  to  God's  work,  and 
when  this  was  done  the  silver  cord  seemed  gently  loosed. 
From  afar  she  would  see  and  know.  Kathie's  visits  were 
a  great  pleasure,  even  to  the  last.  Jessie  and  her  husband 
and  Charlie  were  sent  for,  and  watched  the  tranquil  death 
that  was  only  another  word  for  translation. 

The  funeral  was  a  great  tribute  of  respect  paid  to  an 
honorable  and  useful  life.  They  covered  her  grave  with 
flowers,  and  wended  their  way  back  to  the  duties  and 
responsiblities  of  the  living. 

To  Kathie  it  had  been  a  great  shock.  No  one  very  near 
or  dear  to  her  had  died  since  she  could  remember.  She 
kept  so  pale  and  nervous  that  Uncle  Robert  insisted  she 
should  take  a  little  journey  with  him,  quite  away  from  the 
cares  of  e very-day  life. 

"  It  seems  to  me  that  I  am  going  all  the  time,"  she 
made  answer.  "  Perhaps,  like  Aunt  Ruth,  it  is  quietness 
I  want." 

"  It  is  a  little  wholesome  indolence,  I  think.  We  will 
leave  everything  behind  us,  and  have  one  mire  rare  holi- 
day together." 

They  were  gone  a  fortnight,  and  she  came  back  much 


190  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

improved.  She  had  obeyed  Uncle  Robert  to  the  letter  and 
dismissed  all  her  little  perplexities. 

"You  are  always  so  good  and  strong,"  she  said.  "  I 
wonder  what  I  shall  ever  do  without  you." 

Why  did  she  never  count  on  the  other  strength  that 
awaited  her,  that  would  be  glad  to  serve  ? 


CHAPTER  XVI, 

**  I  SUPPOSE  we  shall  get  used  to  the  thought  of  her  go* 
ing  away,"  Uncle  Robert  mused  to  himself,  as  he  walked 
down  to  the  post-office.  There  had  been  a  little  family 
talk  on  the  subject.  Somehow  Ruth  had  not  been  at  all 
enthusiastic,  even  though  Charlie  was  one  of  her  warmest 
favorites. 

"  We  could  not  choose  more  wisely  for  her,"  Mrs. 
Alston  had  said  with  some  decision. 

"  I  suppose  she  chose  for  herself,"  Mrs.  Mackenzie 
remarked,  with  the  least  emphasis  of  a  rising  inflection. 

"  Why,  of  course.  And  the  life  will  suit  her  so  per- 
fectly." 

Then  it  was  agreed  that  the  young  man  should  come 
henceforth  in  the  light  of  a  lover.  There  would  be  no 
talk  of  a  marriage  until  he  was  settled  to  his  liking. 
Already  the  fervor  of  the  young  divine,  and  his  extreme 
purity  and  sweetness,  were  making  him  a  name. 

Uncle  Robert  took  his  letters  out  carelessly,  glanced 
over  the  unimportant  ones,  and  paused  at  his  nephew's. 
It  had  a  small  mark  in  one  corner,  '  Personal,'  written  very 
fine.  No  one  ever  opened  his  letters,  and  he  smiled  a 
little  at  the  conceit. 

But  his  face  grew  grave  and  pained  as  he  read.  It  was 
very  brief. 

"  DEAR  UNCLE,  —  Can  you  come  to  me  without  orating  any  great 
surprise  at  home?  I  am  in  a  terrible  trouble,  and  neeqpuch  a  friend 
as  you  have  always  proved.  I  can  only  say  it  is  no  real  crime  on  my 
part ;  at  least  nothing  that  transgresses  the  well-known  laws  of  honoi 
and  honesty. 


192  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Then  the  trouble,  whatever  it  was,  had  reached  its  cul 
mination  !  Yes,  it  would  be  an  easy  enough  matter  to  go. 
He  need  not  mention  any  destination.  Poor  lad.  When 
all  outside  surroundings  were  harmonious,  even  then  chere 
could  not  be  peace. 

"  Dora,"  he  said,  walking  up  the  broad  steps,  "  I  am 
compelled  to  go  away  to-night  on  some  special  business. 
I  should  not  wonder  if  I  took  a  run  to  Chicago  and  saw 
Rob." 

"  Oh!"  The  mother's  face  lighted  up.  "I  wish  you 
could  bring  him  home  with  you." 

"  I  suppose  it  is  hardly  his  time  for  vacation,"  was  the 
studied,  careless  answer.  "  Give  me  a  little  supper  while 
I  pick  up  a  few  articles." 

It  was  not  that  he  wanted  to  eat,  but  the  curious  impulse 
that  leads  us  to  observe  little  habits  in  any  intense  stress 
of  feeling  that  must  be  kept  hidden.  Kathie  came  and 
chatted  ;  he  said  good  by  to  them  all  cheerfully,  and  took 
the  evening  train  to  the  city. 

It  was  evening  again  when  he  reached  his  destination. 
He  had  gone  though  with  many  phases  of  feeling  during 
the  journey,  and  settled  at  last  to  a  tender  pity.  He  could 
almost  guess  the  secret  of  the  trouble.  Keeping  it  alone 
had  become  unendurable.  Rob  never  could  bear  to  be 
long  shut  on  the  outside  of  everything.  It  would  be  a 
great  shock  to  the  fancy  his  mother  was  cherishing.  Ah, 
if  they  could  have  these  children  of  their  love  back  again 
to  childhood ! 

As  he  stepped  out  on  the  platform  in  the  gathering  dusk 
of  the  summer  night  a  hand  was  laid  on  his  arm,  before 
he  could  see  the  face. 

"  Rob,"  in  a  sympathetic  tone. 

"  Dear  uncle  !  I  knew  you  would  come.  I  was  down 
to  meet  the  other  train,  lest  I  might  chance  to  miss  you." 

As  they  emerged  from  the  crowd  the  elder  drew  the  arm 
of  the  younger  through  his.  There  was  something  of  com- 
fort and  confidence  in  the  pressure. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  193 

u  Let  us  go  at  once  to  the  hotel ;  I  have  a  room  there," 
said  the  nephew. 

Uncle  Robert  caught  sight  of  the  face  then.  It  was 
very  pale,  and  his  eyes  were  heavy  from  lack  of  sleep.  To 
the  old  resolute  look  there  was  added  something  stern, 
bitter. 

"  You  are  so  good  to  come.  There  was  no  one  else.  I 
am  always  laying  burdens  on  you."  And  the  voice  was 
tremulous  with  emotion. 

"Since  it  is  no  disgrace  like — "  Dishonesty  he  was 
about  to  add,  but  Rob  interrupted  vehemently. 

' '  I  am  not  so  sure  of  that !  I  have  thought  it  over 
until  I  have  gone  almost  wild." 

"  Rob,  let  us  have  done  with  the  mystery.  Something 
has  been  on  your  mind  a  long  while.  I  think  now  you 
have  married,  unwisely,  unhappily,  but  better  that  than  any 
flagrant  sin." 

"  0  Uncle  Robert !  it  brings  back  the  errors  of  my  boy- 
hood to  have  you  guess  so  unerringly.  Did  you  mistrust, 
last  summer  or  before  ?  " 

' '  I  fancied  at  first  you  had  contracted  some  debt  that 
you  resolved  to  work  out  of  honorably.  But  last  summer 
there  were  little  things,  and  you  kept  so  away  from  me." 

"  Yes,  I  was  afraid.  Wrong  or  sin  always  does  make 
a  coward  of  one." 

"  And  your  —  wife  ?  " 

"  We  are  here.  I  will  order  a  little  supper  for  us  both, 
sent  up  to  the  room.  It  is  a  long  story." 

Uncle  Robert  asked  no  further  question  until  they  were 
seated  at  their  meal,  and  he  had  a  little  time  to  study  the 
face.  There  was  something  beside  the  ^bitterness,  a  cer- 
tain vindictive  force,  long  repressed.  V 

"  Rob,  you  have  done  her  no  ill?  "  he  cried  in  sudden 
alarm. 

"  She  has  worked  us  both  enough.     Any  one  else  would 
have  paid  the  penalty  with  her  life." 
13 


194  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  Hush.  Such  a  feeling  is  terrible.  Rob,  remember; 
did  you  not  choose  her  ?  " 

He  leaned  his  arms  on  the  table  and  hid  his  face  in  them 
for  several  minutes. 

"  I  was  such  a  blind,  idiotic  fool ! "  he  began  presently. 
"  I  was  warned,  and  it  traversed  all  my  plans,  only  I 
hardly  knew  it  until  it  was  done." 

' '  While  you  were  in  college  ?  " 

"  Let  me  tell  you  from  the  beginning.  I  wonder  now 
how  I  could  have  kept  it  so  entirely  away  from  you  all ; 
but  I  was  ashamed,  and  it  seemed  such  a  poor  return  for 
what  you  had  done.  I  did  n't  seem  to  realize  until  it  was 
all  over  what  I  might  have  been  to  you  at  home.  Are  our 
eyes  always  opened  by  these  horrible  contrasts,  I  wonder? 
J  feel  as  if  I  had  cut  myself  off  from  everybody.  No,"  as 
his  uncle  offered  him  the  plate  of  toast,  "  I  don't  want  to 
eat.  I  '11  talk  while  you  are  having  supper.  It  is  so  good 
to  confess  after  this  dreary  time  of  secrecy. 

"  The  last  winter  at  New  Haven  I  used  to  go  to  a  house 
where  there  were  two  bright,  pretty  girls,  jolly  and  ready 
for  an}T  kind  of  fun.  Quite  a  number  of  the  boys  went 
there  ;  it  was  a  regular  free  and  eas}',  the  mother  seeming 
about  as  young  as  the  girls.  They  pla}Ted  and  sang,  and 
were  beautiful  dancers.  Some  of  the  fellows  used  to  send 
wine  and  various  things,  and  have  gay  little  suppers.  I 
made  up  my  mind  not  to  be  bantered  into  drinking,  though 
I  did  now  and  then  take  a  glass  of  wine.  Adclie,  the 
younger  girl,  was  very  sweet  to  me,  that  sort  of  half-hid- 
den, secret  fondness  that  makes  a  mystery  of  a  thing  and 
deepens  its  interest.  I  suppose  she  had  gone  through  with 
such  fancies  dozens  of  times  ;  but  I  thought  it  was  an  en- 
tirely new  regard  that,  somehow,  she  couldn't  help  having 
for  me,  and  that  it  was  n't  possible  for  her  to  entertain  for 
anyone  else.  Then  she  possessed  one  of  the  sweet,  plead- 
ing, baby  faces,  and  I  suppose  after  a  little,  with  all  her 
kissing  and  caressing,  I  did  lose  my  head.  I  despise  my- 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  195 

self  so  for  it  now,  that  I  could  not  be  sure  no  really  pure, 
high-minded,  honorable  girl  would  so  throw  herself  at  a 
man's  head,  or  a  boy's,  for  I  was  nothing  but  that.  Two 
or  three  of  the  young  fellows  uttered  warnings,  but  I  set 
them  down  to  jealousy 

"Then  Mrs.  Weeks  and  Frances  went  to  New  York 
and  were  gone  about  a  month  Addie  was  at  home  with 
the  girl,  and  she  used  to  beg  me  so  to  come,  and  as  I 
always  found  her  alone  it  was  very  bewildering,  fascinat- 
ing. One  evening  she  insisted  on  my  drinking  some  wine 
with  her,  and  when  I  refused  the  second  glass  she  seemed 
so  hurt,  and  cried  a  little,  and  said  I  did  n't  care  for  her 
while  she  cared  so  much  for  me,  and  would  do  anything  to 
please  me.  So  I  drank  a  little  more.  We  had  fallen  into 
the  habit  of  saying  silly  things,  making  love  without 
really  meaning  affection.  I  was  a  little  startled  at  first  by 
her  way  of  uttering  them,  but  she  seemed  so  sweet  and  inno- 
cent about  it ;  and  you  know  I  had  never  been  spoony  on 
girls,"  with  a  sad  little  smile.  "  I  had  never  really  cared 
for  them,  and  I  had  no  more  thought  of  marrying  Addie 
Weeks  than  of  any  one  I  knew  at  Brookside.  Other  boys 
were  carrying  on  flirtations,  and  having  no  end  of  fun  out 
of  them.  Yet  I  don't  know  as  I  ever  settled  it  in  my  mind 
as  a  regular  flirtation.  She  bewitched  me  when  I  was 
with  her,  and  I  never  thought  of  any  ending  at  all. 

"  Well,  whether  it  was  the  wine  or  my  own  mad  folly, 
or  a  something  like  love,  or,  as  I  have  thought  since,  hei 
deliberate  aim  to  make  me  do  it,  we  began  to  talk  of 
marriage.  I  must  have  asked  her  to  marry  me,  for  she 
proposed  that  we  should  go  to  the  house  of  a  minister 
she  knew  and  get  married.  How  could^E  have  been  so 
crazy,  you  wonder !  I  can't  understand  %  myself  now, 
only  then  I  was  wild  with  a  curious  fascination,  and  I  did 
it.  It  was  two  years  ago  last  April. 

"  I  felt  strangely  frightened  after  it  was  over,  but  I 
was  not  disenchanted.  On  the  contrary,  then  I  would 


196  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

have  owned  her  as  my  wife  anywhere  in  the  face  of  the 
whole  world.  I  thought  her  the  prettiest,  sweetest,  dear- 
est being  upon  earth.  I  was  ready  to  do  anything  for  her. 
For  a  week  or  two  I  was  in  Fool's  Paradise.  Then  her 
mother  came  home.  We  were  going  to  keep  our  marriage 
a  profound  secret  until  after  I  had  graduated." 

There  followed  quite  a  long  silence.  Rob  was  waiting 
for  some  word  of  condemnation  or  surprise,  but  presently 
his  uncle  uttered  a  soft,  persuasive,  inquiring,  "Well?" 

"  The  rest  is  so  shameful,  Uncle  Robert !  "  And  his  pale 
face  blazed  crimson.  "  There  was  a  little  rumor  that 
Frances  Weeks  had  gone  abroad  with  a  rich  New-Yorker 
in  a  questionable  position.  It  made  me  furious  when  I 
first  heard  it.  Addie  denied  it  and  cried  over  it,  then  ad- 
mitted she  had  sailed,  but  that  she  was  going  to  try  the 
stage  or  do  something  for  herself.  But  other  ugly  stories 
came  to  light  about  her,  and  there  were  hints  concerning 
the  mother.  They  lived  prettily,  dressed  well,  and  always 
seemed  to  have  plenty  of  money  and  quantities  of  pres- 
ents. 

"After  a  while  my  marriage  grew  to  be  an  appalling 
certainty  to  me.  I  had  to  study  hard  to  make  up  for  a 
little  lost  time,  and  Addie  went  to  Albany  with  her  mother 
for  a  visit.  I  resolutely  staved  off  the  conclusion.  She 
was  pretty,  and  with  a  little  toning  down  or  refining  might 
be  made  presentable.  I  was  so  glad  to  have  them  away 
over  Commencement.  I  did  have  a  nice  time  with  you 
and  mother,  and  I  was  glad  to  see  you  so  pleased  and 
proud. 

"  Of  course  I  could  not  bring  a  wife  home  to  you  with- 
out any  means  of  supporting  her.  I  felt  she  was  not  the 
kind  of  girl  you  would  approve  ;  that  it  would  half  break 
mother's  heart.  That  made  me  resolve  to  go  quite  away, 
to  get  in  some  business  so  far  distant  that  much  visiting 
would  be  out  of  the  question.  When  Addie  had  been 
transformed  into  something  a  little  more  ladylike  I  would 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  197 

own  what  I  had  done.  It  was  a  horrible  secret,  and  when 
I  first  came  home  I  threw  myself  into  all  the  pleasures  and 
excitements  with  unwonted  zest.  I  could  n't  comprehend 
all  at  once  that  I  had  really  banned  myself  out.  Of 
course  Addie  wrote  to  me.  From  Albany  they  had  gone 
Co  Lake  George,  from  thence  to  Saratoga,  and  she  was 
having  such  a  splendid  time.  I  wonder  that  I  did  not  feel 
hurt  or  jealous.  If  I  only  could  get  away  before  the  time 
for  explanations. 

"  Then  you  know  I  went  to  New  Haven.  They  had  re- 
turned, and  Addie  had  admitted  the  marriage  to  her 
mother.  Mrs.  Weeks  pretended  to  a  good  deal  of  indig- 
nation, and  insisted  that  I  should  at  once  take  Addie  to 
my  people  and  put  her  in  her  proper  position  before  the 
world.  She  seemed  to  feel  quite  shocked  that  she  had 
been  taking  her  about  as  a  marriageable  girl.  It  was  an 
extremely  silly  step,  and  she  did  not  see  how  I  could  have 
thought  of  marriage,  and  blamed  me  pretty  generally  for 
it  all.  And  then  I  found  they  believed,  or  affected  to, 
that  Cedarwood  was  in  some  sort  mine,  as  I  was  your  heir. 

"  I  suppose  I  had  come  to  my  senses  a  little.  Mrs. 
Weeks's  talking  appeared  to  me  very  much  done  for  effect, 
and  I  could  see  what  they  thought  of  the  money  and  po- 
sition. When  I  said  I  would  have  nothing  but  what  I 
could  earn,  and  that  it  was  my  determination  to  go  into 
business  immediately,  and  that  I  would  care  for  Addie  to 
the  best  of  my  ability,  she  was  desperately  angry,  and  de- 
clared she  would  not  have  married  me  if  she  supposed  that 
was  to  be  her  fate,  and  a  great  many  other  things  that 
opened  my  e}'es  to  her  selfish  indifference.  They  tried  to 
compel  me  to  bring  her  home  to  you,  bitf  I  stood  resolute, 
and  when  Mrs.  Weeks  said  she  and  Add^jwould  go  with- 
out me,  I  declared  then  that  I  would  go  quite  away,  that 
I  would  never  see  her,  never  own  her  as  my  wife,  and  that 
from  my  own  people  she  would  get  nothing.  I  was  des- 
perate enough  for  any  step.  But  I  did  promise  to  take 


198  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

her  out  to  Chicago,  and  to  keep  her  as  my  wife  if  she 
would  consent  to  that. 

"  I  do  think  they  were  quite  crestfallen  when  they  found 
I  would  not  go  to  you  for  any  money,  or  take  Addie  to 
Cedarwood  as  a  sort  of  quasi  mistress.  We  had  two  very 
stormy  days,  and  my  enchantment  came  to  a  dismal  ending. 
It  is  a  desecration  to  call  such  a  sentiment  love  !  "  And  an 
expression  of  wearisome  disgust  crept  over  his  face.  "  In 
less  than  five  months  the  romance  or  madness  was  ended, 
and  I  was  tied  to  a  woman  for  whom  I  did  not  care,  and 
who  would  cling  to  me  only  for  a  support,  or  because  the 
law  had  given  us  to  each  other.  I  meant  then  to  get  a 
divorce  just  as  soon  as  possible,  and  bury  the  shameful 
secret  in  my  own  soul.  I  came  back  to  Cedarwood ; 
you  know  we  were  all  so  happy  about  Kathie's  return, 
and  there  was  to  be  the  party  and  all." 

"  Oh,  my  boy  ! "  Uncle  Robert  began,  "  I  don't  know 
how  you  did  endure  it  so  bravely." 

"  I  can't  decide  whether  it  was  courage,"  and  a  wan  smile 
crossed  the  face  that  was  growing  rigid  with  conflicting 
emotions  ;  "  but  don't  you  remember  I  always  had  a  good 
deal  of  what  the  boys  call  pluck,  endurance,  obstinacy, 
and  the  sort  of  feeling  there  is  no  help  and  you  must  go 
through  with  the  matter  in  hand.  And  I  had  to  do  it 
without  awakening  any  suspicion  on  your  part,  so  I  went 
into  all  the  pleasures  heartily.  I  did  n't  even  want  to  think 
it  might  be  the  last  glad  time.  There  were  hours  when 
I  felt  wild,  crazy,  realizing  bitterly  how  much  of  it  I  had 
thrown  away.  Home  never  looked  as  lovely  to  me. 
Mother  and  Aunt  Ruth  were  such  sweet  and  gracious 
ladies,  and  the  girls  so  pure,  and  refined,  and  wholesome. 
Kathie  was  so  enthusiastic  over  Miss  Collamore,  and  I 
liked  her  very,  very  much.  All  the  delights  took  a 
higher  tone  ;  there  was  a  repose  and  sweetness,  a  meaning 
to  it  all  that  came  to  me  with  a  sudden,  blinding  light. 
And  I  was  going  out  to  eternal  exile,  it  seemed  to  me. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  199 

There  were  moments  when  I  wanted  to  put  my  arm  around 
your  neck  in  the  old  boy  fashion  and  tell  you  how  grate- 
ful I  was  for  everything  you  had  ever  done  for  me,  for  the 
great  effort  you  had  made  to  keep  me  in  the  right  way, 
but  I  did  not  dare  indulge  in  any  sentiment.  I  should 
have  broken  down,  and  the  truth  would  have  come  out. 

"  So  I  went  to  Chicago.  Addie  and  her  mother  gave 
up  their  house  in  New  Haven,  came  to  New  York  for 
a  while,  and  I  lived  in  a  state  of  horrible  suspense  lest  they 
should  appeal  to  you.  They  went  to  Baltimore  afterward, 
and  did  not  reach  Chicago  until  January.  I  had  secured 
a  quiet  boarding  place  in  the  suburbs.  It  seemed  at  first 
as  if  Addie  was  quite  glad  to  see  me.  She  appeared  tired 
and  worn  out  with  dissipation,  and  looked  so  much  older  ; 
and  I  learned  then  she  was  some  five  years  older  than 
she  had  claimed  to  be  ;  that  instead  of  being  eighteen  at 
the  time  of  our  marriage  she  was  twenty-three.  All  these 
months  I  had  been  studying  how  I  could  get  free  event- 
ually ;  but  her  coming  rudely  dispelled  my  plans.  In  March 
her  baby  was  born." 

"Your  child,  Robert?  Oh,  my  poor  boy,  what  a  dreary, 
dreary  time  !  It  would  have  been  better  to  have  confessed 
it  all  in  the  beginning.  Where  is  the.  child  ;  alive  ? " 

"Yes,"  he  answered  moodily,  "it  is.  It  cried  a 
great  deal,  and  she  insisted  she  was  not  able  to  take  care 
of  it,  so  we  put  it  out  to  nurse.  She  did  not  get  well  vei;," 
rapidly,  and  I  found  she  had  made  no  improvement  in 
mind  or  character.  The  habit  of  using  liquors  had  grown 
upon  her,  and  there  were  times  —  it  is  shameful  to  say  it 
—  when  she  was  not  herself,  but  silly  and  disgusting.  She 
had  quite  made  up  her  mind  to  stay  with  me  now.  Her 
mother  went  off  somewhere.  I  was  £iad  of  that.  My 
plans,  therefore,  must  be  changed.  I  comd  not  shake  her 
off  so  easily.  I  had  a  strange  feeling,  too,  about  the  child, 
and  whether  I  would  be  quite  right  to  get  free  from  the 
mother,  if  I  could. 


200  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  I  redoubled  my  efforts  to  make  monej',  doing  copy- 
ing at  night,  and  keeping  an  extra  set  of  books,  and  look- 
ing after  expenses  every  way.  She  realty  seemed  to  have 
no  idea  about  money.  After  the  hot  weather  came  in  she 
grew  stronger,  and  the  last  of  July  she  wanted  to  go  away 
for  a  month  with  some  friends  she  had  made,  and  I  con- 
sented. I  came  home  in  August,  you  know. 

"  All  this  time  I  had  been  fighting  with  im-self.  Bruce 
and  I  corresponded  frequently,  and,  without  knowing  the 
story  at  all,  he  seemed  to  understand  that  something  was 
wrong,  and  his  letters  were  so  brave  and  comforting.  I 
could  see  the  right  through  his  eyes,  and  all  my  own  weak- 
ness and  foil}'.  I  do  believe  if  he  had  been  at  Cedarwood 
I  must  have  told  him.  You  know  it  would  not  have  been 
as  keen  a  sorrow  to  him  as  to  you ;  it  would  not  have 
touched  him  so  nearly. 

"  Uncle  Robert,  I  wonder  if  I  was  weak  in  so  giving  up 
my  whole  heart  to  the  pleasure  of  home  ?  I  really  had  not 
made  up  my  mind  to  anything  until  that  first  night ;  then  I 
resolved  to  shut  out  my  own  misery,  to  be  as  happy,  to 
make  }rou  all  as  happy  as  I  could.  And  in  a  few  days  a 
curious  knowledge  or  revelation  came  to  me."  And  Rob 
turned  his  face  a  little,  while  he  tried  to  steady  his  voice. 
"  I  may  have  misunderstood,  but  it  seemed  as  if  mother, 
Kathie,  and  every  one  had  a  secret  feeling  that  —  that 
Fay  Collamore  might  be  brought  in  our  midst,  and  would 
be  warmly,  fondly  welcomed.  Suddenly,  as  if  in  a  blazing 
light,  I  saw  what  it  might  have  been  to  me." 

Rob  sprang  up  and  began  to  pace  the  floor.  Oh,  what 
words  could  comfort !  Mr.  Conover  rose,  too,  came  and 
put  his  arm  over  the  other's  shoulder,  but  was  silent. 

"•  I  knew  then  that  I  had  admired  Fa}*  Collamore  from 
the  very  first,  that  I  had  been  pleased  when  Kathie  wrote 
about  her,  that  if  all  things  were  fair  and  right,  I  could 
bring  such  a  complete  happiness  in  the  family ;  I  could 
be  happy  myself.  Here  was  a  girl  worth  loving  and  hon- 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  201 

oring,  and  I  had  promised  my  soul  and  body  to  the  other. 
While  she  lived  I  had  no  right  to  put  her  away  except  for 
some  great  and  awful  crime.  And  if  I  did  put  her  away 
on  any  weak,  flimsy  pretext,  a  girl  like  Fay  Collamore, 
with  so  high  and  fine  a  sense  of  justice,  would  not  marry 
me,  ought  not.  And  so  the  training  of  my  whole  life,  that 
oftentimes  seemed  thrown  away,  I  dare  say ;  the  compan- 
ionship of  such  men  as  you,  and  Mr.  Meredith,  and  Mr. 
Langdon,  of  such  boys  as  Charlie,  and  Bruce,  and  Dick, 
and  women  like  mother  and  Aunt  Ruth,  joined  to  save  me. 
I  had  gone  into  this  thing  by  my  own  mad  folly,  and  I 
must  bear  it  myself,  not  thrust  it  on  other  people's  shoul- 
ders, not  cry  out  for  the  joys  I  had  missed  by  my  own 
heedlessness.  And  I  vowed,  with  God's  help,  that  hence- 
forward I  would  be  to  you  all  it  was  possible  for  son,  or 
brother,  or  friend,  and  keep  my  own  soul  clear  of  any  new 
stains.  I  could  not  help  being  thrown  with  Fay,  but  I  did 
try  utterly  to  give  no  look  or  word,  to  hold  no  thought  de- 
rogatory to  her.  Mother's  delicate  little  plans  were  hard 
to  traverse,  and  I  fancy  Fay  wondered  at  times.  Yet  dif- 
ficult and  painful  as  the  path  was,  I  hated  so  to  leave  you,  to 
come  back  to  my  own  wretched  life.  I  would  not  mar 
your  delightful  hours  with  such  gray  shadows." 

"  But  you  might  have  told  me,"  the  elder  cried,  with  a 
touch  of  upbraiding  in  his  tone. 

"  No,  I  could  n't.  My  strength  was  in  keeping  still. 
Sympathy,  tenderness  would  have  finished  me.  We  should 
have  betrayed  our  secret." 

"  But  now?"  Mr.  Conover  asked  in  a  tone  of  something 
like  relief.  "  Have  you  come  to  the  end  ?  " 

Rob  made  a  passionate  gesture,  as  if  he  could  crush 
something  out  of  sight.  "  If  it  could  be^J^e  end,"  he 
cried.  "  If  you  can  decide  — " 

"  Go  on,  then." 

"  I  came  back  to  Chicago,  and  she  joined  me  a  month 
later.  We  had  a  new  boarding  place  of  her  choosing, 


202  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED 

among  the  kind  of  people  she  liked.  They  were  polite 
enough  to  me,  but  I  fancy  they  considered  me  a  young 
fool,  and  the}"  were  right  enough,"  bitterly.  "  I  did  try  to 
awaken  some  desire  of  better  things  in  her,  and  remon- 
strated, as  I  had  times  before,  about  her  drinking,  but  it 
always  ended  in  painful  disputes.  There  was  absolutely 
nothing  I  could  do.  She  still  kept  her  voice,  but  she  used 
it  to  charm  her  favorites,  with  her  other  blandishments. 
I  was  not  jealous  ;  it  is  strange,  but  I  never  had  been 
jealous  of  her  from  the  first.  I  had  to  be  awa}-  evenings 
with  extra  work,  for  the  money  was  a  necessity,  but  when 
I  remained  at  home  she  was  as  likely  to  go  out.  And  so 
we  went  on  our  way,  the  bond  growing  harder  and  harder 
to  bear.  I  think  she  was  really  sorry  she  had  married  me  ; 
she  did  say  now  and  then  she  was  a  fool  for  having  done 
it.  Oh,  why  did  she  ?  There  was  nothing  in  a  home  to 
satisfy  her,  and  she  might  have  taken  some  one  older, 
richer,  more  like  herself. 

"  1  went  home  two  weeks  ago  and  found  a  note  on  the 
bureau  directed  to  myself.  Come  to  the  light  and  read  it, 
and  you  will  hardly  say  that  I  have  been  bitter  or  unjust 
in  this  terrible  story." 

Mr.  Conover  took  the  crumpled  missive  and  spread  it 
out.  It  was  poorly  written  and  misspelled,  and  betrayed  a 
sort  of  scornful  animosity  in  every  line.  She  had  been  al- 
together disappointed  in  the  marriage,  and  she  could  en- 
dure it  no  longer ;  she  had  been  a  fool  for  ever  trying  to 
live  with  him.  She  had  gone  with  some  one  who  cared  for 
her  beyond  a  boy's  silly  regard ;  she  would  have  all  she 
wanted,  and  he  need  make  no  search  for  her  or  trouble 
himself  in  any  way  about  her.  She  had  never  cared  for 
the  child  or  wanted  it ;  so  he  might  take  the  child,  and  get 
a  divorce  as  soon  as  he  pleased  ;  it  could  not  be  too  soon 
for  her. 

"  There  is  no  question,  then,  about  freedom — " 

The  young  face  was  turned  to  him  with  a  strained,  des- 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  203 

perate  longing,  and  yet  a  peculiar  awe.  His  voice  was 
hoarse  with  emotion  as  he  cried  :  — 

' '  That  is  not  all.  There  was  a  terrible  accident  right 
in  the  beginning  of  their  journey.  He  escaped  unharmed. 
She  was  terribly  injured  about  the  head,  and  taken  to  a 
hospital.  After  a  few  days  the  doctors  decided  she  might 
recover,  but  that  she  would  never  have  her  senses  again. 
Then  the  word  was  sent  to  me.  The  lover,  you  see,  could 
not  take  her  at  so  great  a  sacrifice.  0  Uncle  Robert, 
is  n't  it  horribly  hard  !  What  can  I  do  ?  " 

He  flung  himself  on  the  sofa  and  buried  his  face  on  the 
cushioned  arm,  while  hard,  dry  sobs  shook  his  frame.  His 
uncle  paced  the  floor  in  great  distress.  All  this  young  life 
that  should  have  been  so  bright,  and  glad,  and  promising, 
marred  and  blighted  by  one  fatal  deed. 

He  sprang  up  suddenly,  his  eyes  fierce  with  despairing 
passion,  his  voice  clinging  to  a  last  ray  of  hope. 

"  Ought  I  to  keep  to  her,  Uncle  Robert?  She  went 
away  for  her  own  pleasure.  She  did  not  even  care  for  her 
own  little  child.  She  has  broken  God's  law,  man's  law, 
and  a  horrible,  swift  punishment  has  overtaken  her.  Is 
there  any  justice  in  making  me  suffer  for  it,  years,  per- 
haps?" 

"  O  my  boy,  we  cannot  decide  this  in  a  moment !  You 
are  worn  out  with  excitement,  and  must  have  a  little  rest ; 
and  I  must  think  it  over.  Can  I  see  her  some  time?  " 

"  Yes.  She  has  been  sent  here.  She  is  in  the  hospital. 
Every  care  and  attention  will  be  paid  her." 

"  Then  we  will  not  settle  that  point  to-night.  Sit  down 
here  and  rest." 


CHAPTER  XVH. 

IK  spite  of  Robert  Alston's  splendid  physique  and  buoy- 
ant temperament,  his  night's  vigil  and  the  anxiety  of  the 
past  week  had  begun  to  tell  upon  him.  He  looked  worn 
and  haggard  ;  his  lips  seemed  compressed  to  a  thin,  bluish 
line.  His  uncle  had  tried  to  make  him  sleep  some  through 
the  night,  but  the  greater  part  of  it  had  been  spent  in 
restlessly  pacing  the  floor,  even  if  he  refrained  from 
impatient  questioning.  He  had  asked  for  leave  of  absence 
from  the  counting-house,  so  he  could  have  the  day  to 
devote  to  his  uncle  and  the  sadder  errands. 

There  were  many  little  things  that  had  not  been  related 
in  the  hurried  story  of  the  evening  before.  The  young 
man  did  not  spare  himself,  and  yet  it  seemed  as  if  the 
foolish  girl  had  made  fully  as  great  a  sacrifice,  unless  she 
had  counted  on  the  possible  wealth  of  the  youth.  It  was 
quite  evident  she  had  taken  no  special  interest  in  any  of 
his  pursuits,  neither  had  it  been  from  any  ardent  regard 
for  him. 

They  went  together  to  see  her.  There  was  one  cut  at 
the  edge  of  her  hair,  and  the  discolor  from  bruises  had  not 
quite  disappeared.  Seen  there,  in  that  strange  life-in- 
death  state,  the  face  had  come  back  to  a  curious,  youthful 
beaut}-,  the  beaut}'  put  in  marble  when  a  soul  is  not  needed. 
The  skin  was  fine  and  soft,  full  of  sinuous  blue  pencillings, 
the  rounded  chin  had  a  deep  dimple,  the  full,  curved  lips 
were  closed  even  now  with  a  coquettish  half-smile,  and  the 
long  bronze  lashes  shadowed  the  pale  cheeks.  Once,  she 
opened  her  eyes.  They  were  of  that  infantile,  purple  blue, 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  205 

and  Mr.  Conover,  well  versed  in  the  ways  and  wiles  of 
womankind,  could  readily  understand  how  dangerous  their 
snares  might  be  for  unwary  youth.  Yet  it  had  seemed  as 
if  that  would  be  the  least  of  all  temptations  to  Robert 
Alston. 

They  saw  one  of  the  physicians  presently.  It  was  merely 
an  iteration  of  the  verdict.  There  was  no  reason  why  she 
should  not  live  ;  her  physical  injuries  had  not  been  severe, 
but  the  brain  had  suffered  beyond  an}-  repair. 

"  She  will  be  harmless,"  he  said  in  a  gentle  tone ; 
"  never  violent,  and  probably  sink  into  mild  idiocy.  Of 
course  she  will  need  continual  care.  I  think  I  should 
advise  an  asylum,  unless  she  has  friends,  such  as  mother 
or  sister.  Even  then  it  is  a  tiresome  charge  to  one  unused 
to  such  cases." 

"Do  you  know  anything  about  her  mother?"  Uncle 
Robert  asked  afterward. 

Rob  gave  a  shiver  of  disgust.  "No,"  he  answered; 
"  they  quarrelled  bitterly  the  last  time  she  was  here,  and 
they  are  not  people  one  would  care  to  hunt  up,  even  if  we 
could." 

"  Of  course,"  the  elder  said  gravely,  "  there  is  only  one 
thing  to  do  at  present.  When  she  is  discharged  from  here 
she  must  be  placed  somewhere  in  safety,  and  provision 
made  for  her.  An  asylum  will  be  the  best." 

If  she  had  died  !  They  could  not  but  think  of  that  sim- 
ple ending  to  the  tragedy,  and  yet  God  had  not  chosen 
so  to  make  it.  And  how  to  take  the  next  important  step 
rightly  and  truly  for  this  young  soul  wasla  matter  of 
grave  consideration  to  Robert  Conover. 

As  they  emerged  from  the  hospital  he  said  to  his  nephew, 
"  Rob,  will  3'ou  take  me  to  see  the  child?  " 

The  young  man  flushed  vividly,  but  assented  Uncle 
Robert  made  no  comment,  but  presently  his  nephew  broke 
the  silence. 

"  I  suppose  you  will  think  me  heartless,"  in  a  kind  of 

15 


206  \VHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

justifying  tone,  "  only  you  can't  see  all  at  once,  Uncle 
Robert,  and  understand  how  pressed  I  was  on  every  side. 
She  did  not  want  the  child  at  home,  and  it  was  very  trou- 
blesome at  night.  Then  I  needed  my  strength  and  ener- 
gies for  business.  It  was  much  cheaper  to  put  it  out,  a 
consideration  I  could  not  afford  to  despise,  and  it  seemed 
to  me  much  better.  I  do  suppose  it  weakened  the  tie  ;  I 
never  can  make  it  my  child.  I  feel  as  if  I  had  no  busi- 
ness with  a  child." 

' '  And  you  surely  have  not,  Robert,  at  your  age.  It  is 
a  sad  commentary  on  early  marriages.  I  never  imagined 
you  could  be  beguiled  into  such  a  step,  and  so  this  was  one 
of  the  points  never  discussed.  There  is  too  slight  a 
responsibility  attached  to  it  nowada}rs.  I  am  not  sure 
but  among  our  other  studies  we  ought  to  educate  young 
men  for  marriage,  train  them  to  the  gravity,  the  sacred- 
ness  of  the  step,  the  awful  solemnity  of  the  vow,  '  for 
better,  for  worse.' " 

"  How  could  I  have  done  it?  I  ask  myself  the  question 
over  and  over  again.  I  had  been  drinking  a  little  wine 
that  night,  but  that  did  n't  take  away  my  senses.  And  I 
did  n't  care  for  marriage,  either ;  I  had  not  been  thinking 
of  it  —  " 

"Just  what  I  said.  If  it  had  been  held  as  a  solemn 
sacrament,  more  important  than  joining  a  church  even,  or 
any  secular  step  in  life,  you  could  not  have  done  it. 
Did  n't  you  say  last  night  you  were  warned." 

"  Yes,  two  or  three  of  the  fellows  talked  about  them  in 
a  rather  sneering  manner,  which  always  made  me  feel  as 
if  I  wanted  to  get  up  and  fight.  And  yet  they  were 
received  in  society,  in  some  society,  for  Addie's  music 
made  her  a  great  favorite.  And  no  one  quite  knew  until 
the  sister  went  to  Europe  ;  then  a  great  deal  of  gossip  came 
out  about  them.  But  it  was  too  late  for  me." 

Uncle  Robert  understood  more  clearly  than  his  nephew 
how  it  had  happened ;  how  a  few  moments  of  inconsiderate 


WHOM   KATHEE   MARRIED.  207 

jnprudence  had  wrecked,  if  not  a  whole  life,  at  least  sev- 
eral years  of  it.  A  beautiful,  designing  girl,  vain,  selfish, 
with  no  thought  beyond  her  own  present  pleasure  and 
advancement,  fancying,  no  doubt,  this  would  be  a  road  to 
wealth  and  indulgence.  While  he  could  not  absolve  the 
lad  from  a  great  share  of  the  responsibility,  he  still  felt  he 
was  not  all  to  blame. 

"  It  is  remarkable  how  you  kept  her  from  making  any 
overtures  to  the  family,"  he  said,  a  little  astonished  that 
it  had  been  done  so  successfully. 

"  When  her  mother  threatened  so,  in  the  summer,  I  took 
my  stand  boldl}'.  I  said  you  and  mother  would  not  receive 
them.  Honestly,  I  did  not  think  you  would,  and  I  declared 
if  they  did  it  I  would  go  entirely  away  and  take  some 
steps  to  have  the  marriage  annulled.  I  am  not  sure  but  I 
should  have  then  and  there,  only  the  trouble  and  disgrace 
seemed  so  horrible  !  Then  Addie  suddenly  changed  and 
went  at  her  mother  in  a  fury.  She  loved  me  and  she  was 
not  going  to  give  me  up,  and  she  would  wait  until  I  was  in 
some  position  to  take  care  of  her.  She  seemed  so  sorry 
and  begged  me  to  forgive  her,  and  cried,  and  I  did  n't 
know  what  else  to  do.  I  thought  something  might  happen 
to  open  a  way  out  of  it  for  me  ;  she  might  get  tired  and 
obtain  a  divorce.  I  was  almost  crazy." 

"  You  hid  it  very  successfully." 

"Isn't  it  strange  how  we  can  live  such  double  lives? 
But  there  was  everything  to  help.  Kathie  was  the  great 
interest,  you  know,  and  I  tried  to  act  natural,  not  to 
overdo  anywhere.  It  was  for  such  a  little  while  .9 1  could  n't 
have  kept  it  up  very  long.  I  think  now  Mrs.  Weeks  found 
during  her  stay  in  New  York  that  it  would  be  unwise  to 
appeal  to  you.  It  was  n't  even  as  if  you  were  my  father. 
The  law  could  not  compel  you  to  care  for  my  wife.  I  made 
up  my  mind  if  they  did  I  would  fight  it  out  to  the  end. 
They  had  relatives  in  Baltimore,  some  quite  wenlthy  peo- 
ple, and  it  was  not  wisdom  for  them  to  remain  in  New 


208  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Haven.  It  was  rather  odd,  but  in  a  month  I  had  found  some 
quite  profitable  copying  to  do  evenings.  Uncle  Robert, 
you  would  have  laughed  at  my  rigid  economy  "  ;  and  the 
boy  smiled,  even  now.  "I  did  not  waste  a  penny,  and 
had  quite  a  little  hoard  when  she  came,  although  I  think  I 
had  been  saving  it  with  the  hope  that  she  never  would 
come.  And  then  everything  was  changed." 

"Yes."  There  was  such  an  infinite  tenderness  and 
sympathy  in  the  one  little  word. 

"  Bruce  and  I  had  been  writing  letters.  I  don't  know 
why  he  seemed  nearer  to  me  than  any  of  the  boj-s  through 
this  time,  but  he  was  so  strong,  and  manly,  and  earnest, 
that  it  did  me  good.  I  could  n't  have  written  to  you  that 
way  without  telling  you  the  whole  story.  I  think  he  fan- 
cied I  had  a  leaning  or  temptation  for  intemperance,  and 
I  let  it  go  at  that.  Uncle  Robert,"  and  the  3'oung  man's 
face  hardened  into  marble-like  resolution,  "I  think  you 
know  why  I  shall  never  touch  even  a  drop  of  wine  again 
in  nry  life.  Ma}-be,  too,  my  rather  solitary  living  and  con- 
stant work  had  given  me  a  sort  of  force  and  tone,  and  if 
Addie  had  loved  and  kept  the  child  I  should  have  felt 
quite  differently.  Afterward  I  realized  that  it  was  cheaper, 
and  better  for  the  child.  Here  we  are." 

A  cleanly  row  of  frame  houses  with  tiny  flower  gardens  in 
front,  and  at  the  open  window  of  one  sat  a  pleasant-faced 
young  woman,  sewing,  who  glanced  up  and  smiled,  then 
came  to  open  the  door. 

Robert  inti-oduced  his  uncle  to  Mrs.  Fleming. 

"  The  baby  is  asleep,"  she  said,  smiling  with  a  soft, 
motherly  fondness.  "  She  was  late  with  her  nap  this 
morning.  Will  you  look  in  and  see  her?  " 

In  the  next  room  the  little  one  lay  in  her  crib.  There 
was  not  much  in  the  baby  face  to  remind  one  of  its  mother. 
A  wholesome,  chubby  face,  merry  and  cheerful,  rather  than 
specially  handsome. 

"  She  is  the  best  little  thing  3-011  can  imagine,"  Mrs. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  209 

Fleming  went  on,  with  true  motherly  pride.  "  And  I  wish 
you  could  see  her  eyes.  They  are  something  the  color  of 
her  father's,  hazel,  but  just  full  of  laughter  and  sunshine. 
I  think  they  are  the  prettiest  eyes  I  ever  saw.  Shall  I 
wake  her?  She  will  not  be  cross  ;  she  never  is." 

"  Oh,  no  !  "  Uncle  Robert  stretched  out  his  hand  sud- 
denly, and  glanced  at  the  child  as  if  his  soul  had  gone 
past  that  to  something  else,  a  thought  of  her  future,  may- 
be. In  his  young-man  days  he  had  been  fond  of  bright, 
pretty,  chatty,  questioning  little  girls.  His  friends  de- 
clared he  always  spoiled  them.  After  the  years  of  wan- 
dering he  had  come  back  unexpectedly  to  family  cares  and 
sympathies,  and  the  child  Kathie  had  taken  the  love  that 
might  have  grown  into  something  for  an  older  woman. 
True,  he  was  not  beyond  marriageable  age,  but  he  was 
settled  in  his  habits,  satisfied  ;  nay,  more,  interested  in  his 
work,  suited  with  the  home  comforts.  Yet  one  side  of  his 
soul  went  out  so  tenderly  to  little  children,  especially  girls. 
He  was  the  man  to  father  a  great  house  full  of  them,  to 
love,  to  direct,  to  enjoy  their  frolic  and  happiness.  This 
desolate  little  baby,  not  really  wanted  by  either  parent, 
appealed  to  him  powerfully,  but  he  was  thankful  it  looked 
so  little  like  its  mother.  Indeed,  it  was  Rob  over  again  in 
his  baby  days. 

He  turned  softly,  as  if  a  move  might  waken  it.  "  We 
will  come  in  again,  "  with  a  pause,  as  if  there  were  more 
to  say.  I 

Mrs.  Fleming  glanced  from  one  to  the  othe^,  and  a  sud- 
den anxiety  crossed  her  face.  You  could  see  the  real 
mother  love  had  been  touched.  Ah,  that  did  not  always 
come  with  relationship. 

"  You  are  not  thinking  of  taking  it  away?" 

Her  voice  trembled,  and  there  came  a  humid  fear  and 
softness  in  her  eyes. 

"  No,"  stammered  the  father,  startled  by  the  question. 

"It  would  be  better  for  me  to  keep  her  until  fall,  you 


210  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

gee.  The  summer  is  trying  for  such  a  little  one,  and  she  is 
used  to  my  care  and  ways.  It  would  be  a  bad  time  to 
make  a  change." 

"  Yes,"  was  the  satisfactory  response. 

They  emerged  to  the  street  again. 

"Robert,"  his  uncle  began  presently,  "how  much  of 
this  disgraceful  story  is  known  or  suspected.  Have  you 
been  able  to  keep  it  within  bounds  ?  " 

"  It  is  very  little  known,"  and  he  gave  a  somewhat  bitter 
laugh.  "You  can  hide  almost  anything  in  a  great  cit}-. 
You  understand  now  that  I  have  not  gone  into  much  com- 
pany. I  did  allow  myself  one  little  luxury,  the  member- 
ship of  a  debating  club.  I  could  not  afford  to  get  rusty  in 
everything.  Last  year  we  lived  quite  in  the  suburbs,  and 
the  people  with  whom  we  boarded  have  gone  farther  west. 
Our  other  home  was  most  uncongenial.  Whether  any  one 
there  was  in  her  confidence  I  do  not  know.  I  said  noth- 
ing the  night  I  found  the  note,  and  had  all  arrangements 
made  for  a  change  when  the  accident  occurred,  two  days 
later.  Consequently  I  have  not  seen  them.  Even  the 
most  exciting  stories  do  die  out  soon." 

They  went  back  to  the  hotel  for  lunch,  and  then  retired 
to  their  room.  Rob  threw  himself  on  the  sofa.  The  reac- 
tion from  the  terrible  strain  had  come.  Giving  up  the 
secret,  he  had  also  given  up  much  of  the  tense  strength 
that  had  borne  him  successfully  so  far. 

"Try  to  get  a  little  nap,"  proposed  his  uncle,  kindly, 
"  though  if  you  will  answer  me  one  more  question?  " 

"  You  have  only  to  ask  it." 

There  was  a  sad  little  touch  of  penitence  in  this ;  the 
tone  that  implied  all  manner  of  reservation  was  forever  at 
an  end. 

"  Robert,  have  you  gone  through  all  this  without  get- 
ting in  debt?  Your  expenses  must  have  been  beyond  your 
salary,  it  seems  to  me  ;  beyond  anything  you  could  earn." 

"  But  I  have  earned  it,  or  nearly  all.    A  week  ago  I 


WHOM   KATHIE   MAERIED.  211 

took  up  a  hundred  dollars.  I  have  been  deadly  economi- 
cal with  myself,"  smiling  faintly.  "  I  put  some  of  the  les- 
sons of  my  boyhood  in  practice.  I  was  resolved  not  to 
come  to  you,  and  not  to  get  in  debt.  Uncle,  it  was  almost 
like  fighting  with  wild  beasts  at  Ephesus,  if  I  may  be 
allowed  to  use  the  simile." 

"  You  have  shown  a  great  deal  of  bravery  through  it 
all."  And  Mr.  Conover  felt  really  amazed. 

"Thank  you."  There  was  a  wistful  pleasure  in  the 
heavy  eyes. 

The  quietness  of  the  room,  the  drowsiness  of  the  warm 
summer  air,  and  the  fatigue  of  weary  days  and  nights  had 
their  influence  presently. 

Robert  Alston  fell  into  a  light  slumber,  and  his  uncle, 
watching  him,  revolved  many  points  in  his  mind.  He  was 
too  experienced  in  the  world's  sad  wisdom  to  blame  un- 
reasonably, and  the  vague  suspicion  of  the  past  year  had 
in  some  degree  prepared  him  for  the  blow.  Had  there 
been  any  negligence  or  wrong  in  the  lad's  training  ?  Could 
there  have  been  a  warning,  counsel,  anything  to  save  him  ? 
Yet  what  availed  going  over  the  past  ?  The  blindness  and 
madness  of  the  hour  had  wrought  their  terrible  woe,  and 
the  cure  was  not  looking  backward  and  picking  out  a  hun- 
dred different  courses  that  would  have  saved  it  all. 

And  withal  he  gave  thanks  fervently,  devoutly,  that  it 
had  not  hurried  him  on  to  ruin.  He  knew  how  swift  and 
easy  the  path  could  be  made  in  a  moment  of  Morrible  dis- 
couragement. Yes,  the  good  seed  had  sprung  up  and 
borne  fruit ;  manful  endurance  that  an  older  soul  might 
have  wavered  in,  a  clinging  to  truth,  and  honor,  and  right, 
in  spite  of  adverse  circumstances.  The  clean  and  whole- 
some boyhood,  the  pure  ideals,  the  graces  of  higher  life, 
the  training  of  all  those  years,  were  not  without  a  certain 
recompense.  He  was  glad  to  have  his  boy  back  again,  un- 
stained by  any  gross  vice,  unpolluted  by  an  association 
that  might  have  dragged  him  down  to  shameful  depths. 


212  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

The  thought  of  home  and  friends  had  held  the  wavering 
balance.  In  time  there  might  come  something  higher,  the 
greater  strength,  the  perfect  peace.  All  wisdom  was  not 
in  youth,  not  even  in  middle  life.  It  was  going  on, 
stumbling  and  yet  rising,  imperfect,  and  yet  being  made 
perfect  in  the  end  by  the  divine  love  and  patience.  If 
that  could  so  forgive,  so  stretch  out  a  helping  hand,  were 
we  to  judge,  and  weigh,  and  condemn? 

And  3'et  he  hardl}'  knew  what  step  was  best.  The  shock 
would  be  very  great  to  Mrs.  Alston,  with  her  clinging, 
tender  fancies  that  had  grown  into  other  plans.  And  there 
was  a  path  out  of  it.  Worldly  wisdom  and  prudence 
would  approve  of  it. 

When  Rob  stirred  the  afternoon  was  almost  gone.  He 
woke  with  a  sudden  start,  as  if  he  could  hardly  remember, 
but  his  uncle's  face  reassured  him. 

"  Suppose  we  put  by  the  perplexing  questions  for 
a  while,"  he  said,  "  and  go  for  a  pleasant  drive.  I  have 
just  written  a  note  home  that  I  shall  stay  with  }-ou  several 
days.  We  will  begin  our  visit  now." 

"  How  good  you  are  !  "  Rob  pressed  his  uncle's  hand, 
and  the  tears  of  gratitude  shone  in  his  eyes. 

"  I  thank  God  that  he  has  kept  your  love  and  trust  for 
me  through  it  all  " 

Rob  started  a  little.  Had  there  been,  unconsciousl}',  a 
higher  power  ruling,  guiding  him?  Many  a  time  in  his 
agony  he  had  cried  to  God,  feeling  himself  so  helpless,  so 
despairing !  Had  there  been  an  answer  ?  Was  this  what 
was  meant  in  the  text  that  flashed  suddenly  into  his  mind, 
"My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee"  ?  Not  take  thee  out 
of  the  depth,  or  set  thee  up  on  high,  but  just  "  suffi- 
cient." Not  even  any  left  over  to  glory  about,  or  for  the 
days  to  come ;  to-day  and  here,  —  that  was  all  of  the 
promise.  But  when  we  get  at  to-morrow,  is  it  not  to-day 
already  ? 

They  had  a  delightful  drive  out  through  the  suburbs  and 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  213 

by  the  edge  of  the  lake.  The  sun  dropped  down  in  his 
gold  and  crimson  splendors,  and  the  moon,  a  silvery  bit  of 
crescent,  floated  along  on  the  edge  of  a  blue-rimmed  cloud. 
They  talked  in  bits  and  snatches  of  old  times,  of  the  boys 
and  their  aims,  of  the  past  pleasures,  now  doubly  dear. 

"  I  ought  to  tell  you  about  Kathie,"  Uncle  Robert 
said  in  a  soft  tone.  They  had  been  discussing  Charlie 
Darrell's  pure  and  gracious  youth,  with  its  refined  and 
exalted  ideals.  "  It  was  spoken  of  last  summer,  but  they 
were  so  young.  The  faith  has  been  kept,  however,  and 
your  mother  is  extremely  happy.  It  is  now  an  acknowl- 
edged engagement." 

"Not  Charlie?"  There  was  a  peculiar  unwillingness 
in  Rob's  face 

"Why  not?"  Why  could  there  be  secret  dissatisfac- 
tion here  ? 

"Oh,  if  Kathie  cares  —  loves  —  "  And  Rob  glanced 
away. 

"  She  could  not  have  done  it  without  caring." 

"  I  suppose  not,"  lingeringly.  Yet  it  seemed  to  him  he 
held  a  clew  to  another  "  caring."  "  Did  no  one  know  of 
it  last  summer  but  just  you  and  mamma?  I  never  sus- 
pected." 

"No  one.  It  was  hardly  more  than  a  fancy.  At  least 
Aunt  Ruth  was  told,  and  Charlie's  family  on  his  part. 
You  must  not  feel  hurt ;  we  were  afraid  you  might  tease 
her."  J 

"  Oh,  I  was  not  thinking  of  myself."  Some  sudden 
impulse  checked  him,  and  he  understood  then  he  had  grown 
finer  and  more  considerate  than  in  that  heedless  boyhood. 

It  was  another's  secret,  guessed  at,  and  he  had  no  right 
to  betray  it.  But  he  held  a  clew  to  sentences  in  Bruce's 
letters  that  had  puzzled  him  as  greatly  as  the  sudden 
resolve  of  not  coming  East. 

"  And  have  you  no  word  of  approval?  "  Uncle  Robert 
was  a  trifle  perplexed. 


214  WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  O  Uncle  Robert,  it  seems  so  queer  for  Kathie  to  be 
engaged !  Yes,  I  suppose  it  is  just  the  life  for  her,  and 
they  have  always  been  such  friends.  I  do  believe  Charlie 
has  loved  her  from  very  boyhood,  and  he  is  good,  and 
noble,  and  tender.  Any  one  cold  or  hard,  or  even  care- 
lessly indifferent,  would  break  Kathie's  heart." 

And  yet  Rob  gave  a  little  sigh.  How  lonely  it  must  be 
out  there,  with  nothing  to  keep  the  heart  warm  and  glad. 
Robert  Alston  seemed  drawn  to  Bruce  at  that  moment  with 
a  deep  and  wordless  tie,  a  sympathy  no  one  else  could  feel, 
he  thought,  not  knowing  of  the  bitterer  disappointment  in 
the  two  older  hearts. 

"  Dear  little  Kathie,  I  hope  she  will  be  very  happy," 
he  said  after  a  while.  ' '  She  has  been  such  a  comfort  to 
you  and  mamma,  while  I  have  brought  nothing  but  sorrow 
and  disappointment." 

"  Yes,  Rob,  many  hours  of  pleasure  as  well." 

' '  You  are  very  generous  to  say  so  !  "  he  cried  with  deep 
emotion.  "  It  would  be  just  right,  Uncle  Robert,  if  you 
gave  me  up  altogether." 

"  No,  not  just  right." 

He  understood  the  allusion.  It  was  divine  love  that 
went  after  the  one  sheep  astray,  and  meted  out  a  tenderer 
mercy  than  worldly  justice. 

The  following  day  Rob  went  back  to  business  for  several 
hours,  promising  to  get  off  early.  Uncle  Robert  visited 
Mrs.  Fleming  and  made  acquaintance  with  his  little 
grand-niece.  A  bright,  cunning  baby  she  proved,  begin- 
ning to  run  about,  and  saying  pretty  little  sentences,  with 
her  glad,  laughing  face  in  an  eager  glow  of  interest.  Full 
of  mischief,  too,  and  winsome  ways  that  were  not  allowed 
to  degenerate  into  disagreeable  habits.  A  wiser,  tenderer 
foster-mother  could  hardly  have  been  found,  though  she 
was  a  plain  body  and  a  poor  man's  wife.  Her  vague  ex- 
planations corroborated  what  Robert  had  said,  that  the 
mother  cared  little  for  her  child. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  215 

il  It  seems  a  pity  for  God  to  send  them  to  fashionable 
young  folks  who  only  care  for  dressing,  and  company, 
and  pleasuring,"  exclaimed  the  honest  woman.  "  They 
waste  their  health  and  strength  on  other  things,  and  have 
nothing  left  for  their  children.  She  was  such  a  poor  little 
baby  when  I  took  her,  and  she  fretted  all  the  time,  they 
said  ;  but  no  one  knew  how  to  take  care  of  her,  and  she  's 
the  best  little  thing  now  you  can  imagine.  I  should 
be  sorry  for  them  to  take  her  back  now ;  not  for  the 
money's  sake,  either,  though  that  comes  good,  but  I  'd 
rather  care  for  her  for  nothing  the  rest  of  the  summer. 
I  've  lost  two  little  ones  of  my  own,  and  it  seems  almost 
like  having  one  of  them  lent  to  me  a  while  again." 

Uncle  Robert  smiled  and  assured  her  there  should  be 
no  change  made  for  the  summer. 

But  some  step  must  be  settled  upon.  After  a  conscien- 
tious talk  with  the  hospital  physician  he  decided  upon  the 
asylum.  It  was  physically  impossible  that  she  should 
recover  her  senses  ;  indeed,  there  might  come  presently  a 
gradual  paralysis. 

"  It  seems  a  hard  fate  for  a  handsome  young  woman  like 
that,  and  with  a  fine  fellow  for  a  husband.  There  is  many 
a  sad  romance  in  a  hospital  ward,  and  sadder  ones  still 
shut  inside  of  asj'lum  walls,"  the  grave  doctor  said  slowly, 
thinking  to  comfort  his  hearer. 

The  days  passed  so  quickly  that  Robert  Alston  grudged 
them,  as  if  the  sunshine  were  grains  of  gold^  He  almost 
forgot  the  keen  edge  of  wretchedness  in  having  this  tender 
friend  with  him  again.  Oh,  how  was  he  ever  to  spare 
him? 

"  Robert,"  the  elder  began,  one  evening,  "  we  ought  to 
make  some  plans  about  the  future.  You  are  content, 
satisfied  with  your  position  in  a  mercantile  house  ?  " 

Robert  was  silent. 

"  It  was  your  choice,  you  know." 

"Oh,  Uncle  Robert!"    he  cried  vehemently,    "it  was 


216  WHOM    KATIIIE    MARRIED. 

the  result  of  that  miserable,  mad  folly.  I  could  not  make 
you  suffer  for  the  misdoing,  and  so  I  gave  up  my  choice. 
And  now,"  his  face  settling  into  resolute  lines,  "  there  is 
nothing  but  to  go  on  for  the  present." 

"  You  did  have  another  fancy? " 

' '  Well,  I  may  tell  you  now ;  chemistry  always  inter- 
ested me  so  much.  Maybe  I  should  not  have  had  the  pa- 
tience, and  it  is  too  late  to  wish  about  it.  But  I  would 
like  to  ask  one  favor,  if  you  think  it  best." 

"Well?" 

"That  I  may  come  back  to  New  York  some  time. 
You  see,"  with  a  sad  smile,  "  I  have  not  taken  root  here. 
The  place  will  always  be  full  of  miserable  memories  for 
me.  And  I  have  learned  to  care  a  great  deal  more  for  the 
old  friends." 

There  was  a  lingering  tremulousness  in  his  tone  that 
touched  the  elder  deeply. 

/'  We  must  also  decide  upon  your  standing  with  them. 
Robert,  how  much  of  the  truth  are  }rou  willing  to  face  ? " 

There  was  a  great  struggle  in  the  j'oung  man's  mind. 
A  mad  desire  to  leave  it  all  behind,  to  start  afresh,  pos- 
sessed him. 

"  How  much  must  I  face  ?  "  he  cried  passionately.  "  Un- 
cle Robert,  I  kept  my  truth  and  honor  under  temptation  ; 
you  must  confess  it  was  that.  I  did  not  love  my  wife,  and 
yet  I  did  ever3rthing.  I  would  not  be  pushed  or  thrust  out 
of  any  right  line.  I  tried,  yes,  I  think  God  will  bear  me 
witness  that  I  did  try  faithfully  to  give  her  all  the  happi- 
ness in  my  power.  Her  ways  were  not  mine.  I  could  not 
drink  and  carouse,  even  to  please  her ;  but  she  openly, 
flagrantly  transgressed  and  outraged  all  laws.  There  is 
the  proof,  her  own  admission.  Am  I  bound  to  her?  She 
had  decided  her  course  before  this  fearful  accident.  I 
should  have  been  free." 

It  was  man  to  man  now.  The  tender  regard,  the  peni- 
tence and  sorrow,  were  put  aside.  He  was  ready  for  a 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  217 

desperate  struggle.  The  matter  had  been  brooding  in  his 
brain  for  days,  though  it  had  been  so  quiescent. 

Robert  Conover's  sympathy  was  on  the  side  of  freedom 
as  well.  His  affection  for  the  young  life  just  coming 
to  understand  itself  and  its  needs ;  his  admiration  for 
the  brave  manner  in  which  he  had  taken  up  the  sad 
results  of  his  great  mistake,  his  boyish  unwisdom  rather 
than  flagrant  sin,  worked  powerfully  in  his  behalf.  And 
yet,  just  here  would  be  the  turning-point  of  character,  the 
firmness  of  truth  and  higher  living,  or  the  volatile  desire 
of  what  was  most  pleasant,  after  a  brief  repentance.  Yet 
it  was  so  hard  and  bitter  to  remand  him  back  to  the  old 
chain. 

"  Robert,"  and  the  voice  was  unsteady  with  conflict- 
ing emotions,  "  I  do  not  think  either  of  us  is  in  a  con- 
dition to  decide  so  important  a  question  ;  we  cannot  take 
in  all  its  bearings." 

"  But  we  can  take  in  its  main  points.  Uncle  Robert, 
you  have  never  toned  down  or  softened  sins  that  I  commit- 
ted, even  when  you  loved  me  best,  and  no  one  could  have 
loved  me  better  ;  now  why  can  you  find  palliation  for  her  ? 
It  is  not  even  as  if  she  were  going  to  realize  any  disgrace. 
The  punishment  came  swiftly  to  her ;  why  should  that, 
the  result  of  her  sin,  be  made  to  reach  me  ?  I  have  been 
over  and  over  the  ground.  I  don't  see  any  right,  any  jus- 
tice— "  4 

Rob  bowed  his  face  in  his  hands.  Tyhavc  all  things 
remain  the  same  ;  why,  he  might  as  well  die  at  once  ! 

"Yes,"  returned  Mr.  Conover  with  grave  sweetness, 
"  all  this  seems  the  side  of  justice.  It  is  too  wide  in  its 
significance  to  be  hastily  settled.  There  is  another  life  to 
consider.  There  is  a  little  child  that  did  not  ask  to  be 
born  to  a  blighted  heritage.  Robert,  suppose  I  was  to  tell 
you  to-day  that  the  husband  your  mother  loved  so  well, 
the  father  you  children  had  been  taught  to  revere  and 
honor,  even  after  he  was  in  his  grave,  had  been  a  forger,  a 


218  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

thief,  dishonored  his  name  and  that  of  a  family,  and  just 
by  death  escaped  a  prison  cell !  Could  you  ever  throw  off 
the  terrible  shadow?  Thank  God  there  is  no  such  thing 
to  say.  He  was  the  soul  of  honor  and  integrity,  and  I  am 
not  sure  but  his  example,  though  I  used  to  think  him  a  lit- 
tle rigid  on  some  points,  has  made  me  more  thoughtful, 
led  me  in  some  doubtful  cases  to  see  the  finer  right.  It 
seems  to  me  here  is  an  opportunity  to  come  out  of  the 
affair  without  any  open  disgrace .  A  boj'ish  imprudence 
can  be  excused,  forgiven.  You  are  not  the  first  lad  who 
has  made  a  secret  and  unwise  marriage.  Some  women, 
well  loved  and  sheltered,  have  lost  their  reason  and  spent 
whole  lives  as  she  must  spend  hers.  Your  share  in  it  can 
step  now  from  a  fault  to  a  misfortune.  The  people  who 
know  or  have  known  her  may  never  connect  her  with  }'ou 
or  your  child.  When  you  have  gone  over  all  this  ground 
patiently  you  can  decide  whether  you  will  suffer  a  wrong, 
or  do  a  wrong  and  harm  to  right  j'ourself." 

"  Then  there  is  no  hope  for  me  !  "  He  sprang  up  and 
began  to  pace  the  floor  with  passion  in  every  step.  "  All 
my  life  I  am  to  be  bound  to  her !  I  can  do  nothing,  be 
nothing  for  my  very  self.  Why,"  with  a  bitter  laugh,  "  it  is 
harder  than  if  she  had  not  gone.  The  punishment  is 
greater  for  me  than  for  her,  since  she  is  relieved  from  all 
mental  suffering.  There  will  be  no  use  trying  for  any 
future." 

"  Robert,"  his  uncle  said  kindly,  u  this  is  why  we  older 
men  try  to  restrain  and  advise  youth.  We  know  of  so 
many  snares  and  pitfalls,  and  the  disastrous  consequences. 
This  is  why  I  have  so  desired  to  keep  your  confidence  ;  It 
seemed  as  if  you  could  not  take  any  fatal  step  if  you  came 
and  discussed  it  first.  Did  I  make  the  terms  too  hard? 
Where  did  I  fail?" 

'"  You  are  not  to  blame,"  Rob  said  sullenly.  "  It  is  my 
own  doing  and  I  must  bear  it,  that  is  all.  I  suppose  I 
have  been  a  blind  fool  and  thrown  away  all  my  chances. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  219 

There  are  only  the  husks  left.  It  is  hard  to  be  condemned 
to  them  years  and  }-ears,  perhaps  always." 

"  As  I  said,  we  cannot  decide  the  matter  now.  There 
are  some  legal  aspects  ;  in  any  event  you  will  be  answer- 
able for  her  maintenance,  I  think,  and  we  had  better  see 
what  must  be  done  and  what  can  be  done." 

"  It  will  not  matter  much  to  me  now.  Good  night,"  he 
said  abruptly ;  and,  going  to  his  room,  threw  himself  un- 
dressed on  the  bed,  and,  burying  his  face  hard  in  the  pillow, 
gave  way  to  bitter,  desperate  tears.  He  had  dared  to 
dream  of  freedom,  of  being  in  the  old  home  just  the  same, 
of  having  a  new  chance  for  right  living,  happiness.  He 
was  so  young,  so  young !  He  had  tried  to  be  just,  and 
fair,  and  honorable  ;  she  had  never  tried  for  anything  but 
her  own  enjoyment,  and  to-night  her  fate  looked  the  best, 
he  said,  in  his  sullen  misery. 


CHAPTER  XVin. 

ROBERT  ALSTON  was  gravely  quiet  the  next  morning, 
with  that  baffling,  polite  reserve  that  shut  him  out  as 
effectually  as  the  obstinate  determination  of  his  boyhood. 
He  made  a  pretence  of  eating  breakfast  and  went  to  busi- 
ness, leaving  his  uncle  sore  at  heart,  puzzled,  and  anx- 
ious. It  certainly  was  a  critical  time  in  the  young  man's 
life,  and  on  this  decision  would  depend  much  of  his  future 
character.  Home  and  love  were  such  strong  ties,  Uncle 
Robert  knew  well.  The  lesson  was  a  bitter  one,  and  it 
was  hardly  likely  any  other  great  temptation  would  assail 
him  in  an  active,  contented  life.  But  dissatisfaction,  un- 
rest, no  safe  anchorage,  the  gloomy  despair  of  youth ; 
what  then  ? 

"  Robert,"  he  said  that  evening,  "  I  must  return  home 
for  a  short  time,  and  make  some  explanation  of  matters. 
Your  mother  ought  to  know.  Some  safe  and  proper  home 
must  be  provided  for  the  baby.  The  poor  thing  at  the 
hospital  will  remain  a  few  weeks  longer.  I  have  visited 
two  asylums,  and  find  she  can  be  kept  very  comfortably  at 
no  very  great  expense.  In  the  mean  while  you  must  con- 
sider upon  your  course.  I  have  resolved  not  to  attempt 
to  bias  you.  I  only  ask  you  to  take  plenty  of  time  to  de- 
cide." 

"Uncle  Robert,"  the  young  man  replied  in  a  cold,  even 
tone,  "suppose  you  lay  down  the  burden  of  it?  I  have 
always  made  you  trouble  and  sorrow ;  give  me  up  now, 
cast  me  off.  I  have  a  good  situation,  and  Addie  will  not 
cost  as  much  in  an  asylum  as  elsewhere.  I  will  look  after 
the  child." 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  221 

"  O  Robert !  After  the  years  and  confidence !  What 
have  I  done  that  you  should  cast  me  off?  For  it  is  thrust- 
ing aside  love,  sympathy,  help.  Are  you  so  strong  you 
can  stand  alone  ?  " 

"  If  I  can't  I  deserve  to  go  under,  that  is  all.  I  shall 
always  be  grateful  to  you  for  what  you  have  done,  only 
I  am  not  worth  any  more." 

"  If  God  thinks  we  are  always  worth  more  love  and  pa- 
tience, if  he  is  willing  to  take  the  wrong  and  evils  upon 
himself,  to  deliver  us,  to  strengthen  us,  can  we  not  do 
something  for  one  another?  Or  must  his  grace  be  in 
vain  ?  " 

"  But  the  evils  are  there ;  no  one  can  remove  them," 
the  young  man  replied,  with  stubborn  apathy. 

"If  it  were  best,  He  could.  Rob,  I  am  not  going  to 
preach  to  you.  I  think  you  know  so  many  of  these  truths 
yourself  ;  but  if  your  eyes  are  blinded,  a  more  powerful 
hand  than  mine  must  give  them  light.  There  are  so  many 
things  to  stumble  over.  I  cannot  see  why  God  did  not 
take  her  out  of  the  world  when  he  deprived  her  of  all  men- 
tal power  and  responsibility.  She  can  never  repent,  she 
can  never  be  conscious  of  any  retribution,  hardly  of  physi- 
cal suffering.  It  would  be  so  much  easier  to  have  it  all 
ended  here." 

There  was  a  sudden  gleam  of  interest  in  the  stoical  face. 

"  Yes,  that  is  it.     If  —  " 

"  Rob,  did  you  ever  wish  her  dead  before?  " 

"No,  Uncle,  God  is  my  witness  that  I  never  did.  I 
never  even  thought  of  her  going  away  as  she  did.  It  was 
a  desperate  living  on  day  by  day,  wishing  for  you,  for 
some  friend,  some  comfort.  And,  when  it  came  so  near, 
oh,  why,  why  was  n't  there  an  end?"  And  he  studied  his 
uncle's  face  with  feverish  intensity. 

"  That  is  one  of  the  things  we  cannot  tell.  I  have 
learned  to  leave  it  just  there,  with  God.  He  has  not  made 
us  our  own  pardoning  or  condemning  angels.  He  gives 


222  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

ns  states  and  conditions  to  live  through,  the  sort  of  out- 
come of  something  that  has  gone  before,  some  mistake,  or 
negligence,  or  failure.  Out  of  it  may  come  redemption. 
The  why  is  his,  the  work  is  ours.  We  get  confused  and 
transpose  them  ;  but  he  never  gives  us  up,  and  as  he  loved 
us,  so  we  are  to  love  the  brethren." 

"  It  is  very  hard." 

Rob's  lip  quivered  with  the  suppressed  sigh,  but  he 
could  not  keep  the  shiver  from  running  through  his  frame. 

"  You  can  make  it  harder.  You  can  have  help  to  bear 
the  burden." 

There  was  a  long  silence. 

"  You  feel  that  you  must  make  some  explanation  at 
home?"  the  young  man  inquired  presently. 

"It  is  not  absolutely  necessary  now.  You  can  make 
your  decision  first,  if  you  like.  There  is  one  thing  I  want 
to  say ;  nay,  I  shall  ask  it  as  a  favor.  You  will  have 
heav}T  enough  burden  on  3'our  hands.  You  are  very  young, 
and  the  mere  fact  of  parentage  does  not  always  bring  wis- 
dom or  love.  "When  it  is  best  to  make  the  change,  I  want 
you  to  give  the  child  to  me.  She  will  need  oversight, 
training,  and  home  tenderness.  When  Kathie  goes  we 
shall  all  need  a  new  interest,"  with  a  faint  smile. 

"  You  are  very  generous." 

"  You  will  write  every  few  da}~s  and  keep  me  informed 
of  any  change.  For  the  rest,  I  can  only  commend  you  to 
your  own  patience  and  God's  wisdom.  I  can  trust  you 
not  to  take  any  rash  or  desperate  step.  When  this  matter 
is  decided,  we  will  attend  to  other  plans  and  changes." 

Robert  Alston  sat  in  silence  by  the  open  window,  very 
heavy  hearted,  very  despondent,  shut  out  of  everything 
that  would  make  life  worth  having,  home  and  love  such  as 
he  could  fancy  now.  There  was  just  endurance.  He  felt 
secretly  that  he  should  accept  his  uncle's  views  and  act 
upon  them,  not  from  any  high  motive  of  expiation  or  res- 
ignation, but  because  he  would  be  ashamed,  partly,  to  ill- 


WHOM   KATHIR   MARRIED.  223 

requite  such  tender  devotion.  They  must  know  at  home, 
and  the  least  disgrace  the  better  for  them  all. 

The  parting  was  not  as  warm  and  tender  as  the  meeting 
had  been.  Rob  seemed  frozen  into  utter  indifference. 
Nothing  could  hurt  him ;  there  was  no  further  struggle  ; 
he  had  nothing  to  gain.  His  life  was  wrecked ;  that  was 
all  of  it. 

At  home  Uncle  Robert  found  them  going  on  much  as 
usual.  There  was  a  promise  of  less  absolute  gayety, 
Georgie  Halford,  the  moving  spirit  in  all  this,  having  suc- 
cumbed to  woman's  destin}r,  her  troop  of  admirers  settling 
itself  to  one  lover.  The  Langdons  were  busy  and  inter- 
ested in  their  house,  as  they  had  decided  upon  the  summer 
residence  at  Brookside  and  winters  wherever  they  chose. 
Emma  had  disposed  of  several  pictures  through  the  winter 
and  taken  orders  for  others.  Mr.  Langdon  was  very 
proud  of  her  success. 

The  new  bride,  Mrs.  Hunsdon,  was  quite  a  central  figure 
already.  They  had  little  intellectual  clubs  and  gatherings, 
and  discussed  progress  and  the  new  phases  of  art,  the  true 
and  the  beautiful,  leaving  the  good  to  get  crowded  in. 
There  was  music,  and  talking,  and  research*  It  made 
Kathie  think  a  little  of  Ada  Garnier's  evening!,  only  there 
ever}-  one  was  desperately  in  earnest  about  the  great  ques- 
tions, the  vital  pith  of  life  ;  here  it  was  culture  and  grace, 
ease  and  pleasantness,  harmony ;  the  kind  of  living  that 
a  little  knot  of  people  in  a  pretty  country  place  invariably 
settle  into  when  there  is  education  and  refinement,  instead 
of  ostentation  and  striving  to  outshine  each  other.  There 
were  some  who  voted  these  things  a  bore,  and  could  only 
be  roused  on  the  subject  of  new  gowns,  dinner  parties, 
and  diamonds  ;  but  this  class  was  apt  to  seek  the  conge- 
nial society  of  fashionable  watering-places  in  the  summer. 

When  Kathie  wanted  something  plainer  and  more  stir- 
ring she  went  up  to  the  quaint  old  parsonage  at  Middle  - 
ville.  It  seemed  now  as  if  Sarah  must  have  been  there 


IOM 


224  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

always.  The  sour-visaged  housekeeper  was  gone,  and  in 
her  place  a  cheerful  young  girl,  stout  and  strong,  who  held 
her  mistress  in  a  kind  of  wondering  awe  and  joy.  The 
little  girls  were  still  shy  of  strangers,  but  they  made  friends 
with  Kathie,  and  clung  to  their  new  mother  as  if  they  were 
afraid  some  untoward  fate  might  spirit  her  away. 

Mr.  Truesdell  was  much  changed,  improved.  He 
seemed  to  have  gone  into  an  ampler,  more  generous  and 
vivifying  way  of  living.  He  read  and  talked  with  his  wife, 
they  visited  together,  they  studied  the  wide  out-of-door 
world,  and  his  sermons  showed  the  added  breadth  and 
vigor.  The  narrow  animosities  and  objections  were  dying 
out,  as  such  things  invariably  do  when  left  to  themselves. 
For  the  }-ounger  people  the  parsonage  was  a  rallying  point. 
There  were  music,  books  not  too  good  to  lend,  pictures  and 
photographs  that  whetted  one's  mental  appetite  to  know 
more  about  the  great  world  outside. 

"  I  can  S3"mpathize  with  them  so,"  Sarah  said.  "  There 
is  a  side  that  cannot  be  quite  satisfied  with  the  every-day 
work  of  clearing  up  a  house,  washing,  ironing,  and  mend- 
ing. It  is  the  '  clause,'  the  '  making  things  divine,'  the 
more  than  raiment,  the  unfolding  of  the  seed  implanted  by 
a  divine  hand.  It  is  what  He  puts  the  husbandmen  in  the 
world  for,  to  watch,  and  care,  and  tend,  while  he  jour- 
neys." 

Kathie  always  wondered  a  little.  This  was  to  be  her 
life.  How  could  she  grow  into  it,  to  be  a  very  part  as 
Sarah  was ! 

The}'  were  very  glad  to  get  Uncle  Robert  home  again, 
and  asked  questions  innumerable  about  his  namesake, 
easily  enough  answered,  since  none  of  them  trenched  on 
the  main  point.  And  then  he  was  so  busy  with  town 
work,  streets,  and  mills,  and  drainage,  temperance  and 
sobriety,  and  schools,  that  Kathie  seemed  left  altogether 
to  Charlie  in  his  frequent  visits. 

It  seemed  the  most  natural  thing  in  the   world  to   be 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  225 

engaged.  They  talked  about  the  kind  of  place  they  would 
like,  they  planned  church  music,  and  services,  and  ser- 
mons, gatherings  that  should  include  rich  and  poor,  work 
and  worship,  and  the  lovely,  saintly  life,  the  larger  holi- 
ness that  would  grow  out  of  it. 

"  If  I  only  can  be  good  enough,"  she  always  said,  and 
he  invariably  replied  :  — 

"  But  you  are.  It  is  only  your  exceeding  humility  that 
makes  you  fearful." 

She  used  to  pray  in  these  days,  and  was  careful  about 
a  great  many  things,  questioning  with  a  very  tender  con- 
science, trying  to  shape  her  soul  in  a  satisfying  mould,  and 
never  quite  succeeding.  Perhaps  it  was  so  everywhere. 
God  did  not  mean  that  here  on  earth  there  should  be  per- 
fect satisfaction. 

Mrs.  Langdon  expressed  som-3  surprise  at  the  admission. 

"  Are  you  really  in  love,  Kathie?  "  she  asked  one  day. 
"  You  take  it  all  so  much  as  a  matter  of  course.  It  does  n't 
seem  to  be  strange  or  wonderful  in  any  way.  Why,  it 
appeared  to  me  at  first  as  if  I  had  gone  into  some  en- 
chanted country.  In  the  morning  when  I  woke  up  I  was 
sure  it  was  a  dream,  that  nothing  so  entrancing,  so  ab- 
sorbing could  ever  come  to  me.  I  was  so  afraid,  yes,  I 
really  was,"  blushing  at  the  remembrance,  "  that  Mr. 
Langdon  would  come  in  and  say  it  was  a  mistake,  that  he 
had  changed  his  mind.  And  oh,  I  was  afraid  he  would  die 
or  something  happen  to  take  him  away  from  me,  and  when 
he  did  come  I  was  all  in  a  tremble  and  hardly  knew  what  I 
said.  I  suppose  you  think  it  all  very  silly,"  with  an  ex- 
pression of  piquant  deprecation. 

"  Perhaps  we  are  different,"  hesitatingly. 

"  But  you  are  a  young  girl  with  a  first  lover.  And  love 
is  ever  a  ;  sweet  madness.'  Only,  you  and  Charlie  have 
known  each  other  always,  and,  well,  I  was  going  to  save 
3rou  for  Fred,  you  know  ;  so  no  wonder  I  am  a  little  dis- 
appointed." 

15 


226  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Fay  Collamore  had  appeared  surprised  as  well.  Kathie 
felt  the  awkwardness  ;  there  had  always  been  a  secret  con- 
sciousness between  the  two,  a  curious  little  rough  place 
now  and  then  in  spite  of  the  tender  friendship.  It  never 
was  allowed  to  work  any  harm.  Indeed,  the  two  girls 
were  quite  inseparable.  Mrs.  Alston  had  a  way  of  claim- 
ing Fay  that  was  irresistible. 

Eugene  rebelled  passionately  at  first. 

"  I  don't  believe  it.  I  can't  make  it  so,"  he  cried  vehe- 
mently. "  They  look  just  like  friends,  not  lovers,  and  I  'm 
sure  she  does  n't  know.  It  is  just  because  they  have  been 
together  all  their  lives,  and  girls  are  always  foolish  over 
ministers." 

"Kathie  isn't  foolish  over  anything,"  said  Fay,  "  and 
Charlie  does  love  her.  O  Eugene,  if  you  had  not  cared  !  " 
in  a  distressful  tone. 

' '  But  I  have  cared  !  I  shall  always  care  !  There  is  n't 
another  girl  in  the  world  like  Kathie  Alston !  " 

Eugene  was  very  thankful  for  another  business  trip,  this 
time  a  long  one,  westward. 

Dick  Grayson  had  rejoiced  warmly  with  the  young 
couple. 

"  I  half  envy  you,  Charlie,"  he  said,  wringing  the  slen- 
der hand  in  his  own  broad  palm  ;  "  I  've  had  a  suspicion 
now  and  then,  and  you  are  both  so  much  alike.  But  for 
you  I  think  I  should  have  tried  nr^self ;  I  always  had  a 
fancy  that  way,"  laughingty.  "I've  envied  you  Kathie, 
and  Rob  his  uncle.  There  never  was  such  a  bright,  en- 
joyable place  as  Cedarwood,  or  such  delightful  people." 

General  and  Mrs.  Mackenzie  smiled  on  the  young 
lovers.  How  could  they  help  it?  but  both  were  sore  at 
heart.  It  might  have  been  but  for  a  little  punctillio  of 
honor.  And  yet  would  Bruce  have  been  satisfied  with 
so  calm  a  regard  ?  But  it  was  done  past  recall.  The  brave 
boy  had  uttered  no  word  of  blame  to  his  father,  but  ac- 
cepted the  loss,  the  shadow  that  stretched  gray  and  des- 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  227 

olate  in  his  path,  and  without  knowing  Rob's  sorrow 
he  had  been  tenderer  from  the  pain  of  his  own  grief. 

Bruce  and  Kathie  had  kept  up  an  infrequent  correspond- 
ence. There  were  a  great  many  impersonal  subjects  to  write 
about.  Once  Kathie  had  repeated  Charlie's  hopes  and 
wishes.  Bruce  had  answered  cordially,  yet  he  supposed 
their  lives  would  alwa}rs  be  widely  apart. 

Uncle  Robert  waited  for  some  sign  of  relenting  on  his 
nephew's  part,  but  the  weekly  notes  were  brief  and  cold. 
Once  he  apologized.  "I  know  it  is  hateful  in  me,"  he 
admitted  with  boyish  impulse,  '-'when  you  have  always 
been  so  tender,  but  I  cannot  write  what  I  do  not  feel.  I 
am  stranded  on  a  rocky  shore  after  a  shipwreck,  and  the 
waves  have  even  refused  to  drown  me." 

Uncle  Robert  had  made  arrangements  for  his  nephew's 
wife  to  be  removed  to  an  asylum,  and  he  received  tidings 
from  the  physician  in  charge  as  to  her  health,  which  was 
now  quite  restored,  except  that  a  slight  paralysis  of  the 
spine  had  been  remarked.  She  would  have  the  best  care 
and  treatment,  and  he  felt  nothing  more  could  be  done  for 
her.  It  afforded  a  certain  sense  of  relief  to  know  that  in 
this  money  could  do  all,  and  there  was  no  occasion  for 
deeper  anxiety.  » 

The  lad,  for  Robert  still  seemed  so,  was  never  out  of  his 
mind  a  moment.  Sleeping  and  waking  the  pale,  defiant, 
despairing  face  haunted  him.  He  longed  for  a  word  of 
recall,  for  even  the  faintest  sign  of  the  need  of  sympathy. 

"Robert,"  Mrs.  Alston  remarked  one  day,  "you  have 
quite  too  much  business  on  hand.  You  look  worn  and 
worried.  Can  no  one  else  attend  to  these  matters  ?  " 

"Am  I  really  pale  and  thin?  "  he  asked,  with  a  poor 
attempt  at  a  smile. 

"  Yes  ;  Ruth  has  remarked  it  as  well.  If  home  was  not 
so  delightful,  we  might  take  a  trip  somewhere.  Robert, 
you  must  not  put  the  whole  strength  of  your  body  and 
soul  into  the  joys  and  cares  of  other  lives  ;  think  a  little  of 
yourself,  of  us." 


228  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

u  It  is  pleasant,  and  I  believe  home  becomes  dearer  to 
us  as  we  grow  older ;  jaunting  around  is  not  a  perfect 
panacea,  and  Ruth  has  improved  greatly." 

"  Kathie  is  so  thoroughly  satisfied  that  it  seems  the 
wisest  and  happiest  course  to  remain  at  home.  Is  not  Rob 
coming  ?  When  have  you  heard  ?  " 

'•  A  few  days  ago." 

"  I  must  write  to  him  myself."  She  gave  a  tender  little 
sigh  that  did  not  signify  care.  She  was  so  prettily  im- 
portant in  her  motherly  ways  with  young  people,  and 
beginning  to  live  her  life  over  again  as  mothers  do  when 
the  care  and  the  responsibility  of  childhood  is  at  an  end, 
and  the  little  jealous  feeling  of  not  being  first,  is  overlived. 
A  new  phase  was  opening  before  her,  new  claimants,  new 
interests,  a  higher  heart-to-heart  communion  ;  a  sympath}T 
dearer,  finer,  in  that  all  the  young  souls,  in  their  reaching 
out,  were  glad  with  a  great  joy  to  meet  hers. 

How  would  she,  how  could  she  bear  what  was  to 
come  ?  Robert  Conover  used  to  ask. 

In  this  summer  lull,  when  ever}rthing  was  tranquil,  Gen- 
eral Mackenzie  had  gone  up  to  the  city  for  a  few  days. 
He  could  not  settle  readily  to  his  new  life  ;  the  vital  energy 
and  interest  had  gone  out  of  it.  His  son's  sorrow,  his  own 
secret  misgiving  that  he  had  turned  the  branch  aside  to 
blossom  for  another,  gave  him  a. restless,  questioning 
mood.  As  he  watched  Kathie,  bright,  ardent,  and  so 
purely  innocent,  a  coveting  pang  would  sweep  over  his 
soul.  Aunt  Ruth  tried  to  minister  gently,  but  she  could 
not  dismiss  the  belief  that  it  might  as  well  have  been. 

Fred  came  rushing  breathlessly  into  the  breakfast-room 
one  morning,  after  his  constitutional  on  horseback,  his 
eyes  startled,  his  face  indicative  of  strong  agitation. 

"Where  is  Aunt  Ruth?"  peering  cautiously  about. 
"  O  Uncle,  there  is  some  terrible  news  here  in  the  paper." 

"  Hush,  Fred  !  "  And  Mr.  Conover  came  forward  with 
his  hand  raised  in  entreaty.  "  Be  careful ;  is  it  the  Gen- 
eral?" 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  229 

"Oh,  no;  come  out  here.  A  telegram  ;  another  In- 
dian massacre,  and  Bruce  badly  wounded.  Dick  saw  it 
first ;  the  news  had  just  come  in." 

Uncle  Robert  had  not  been  very  eager  of  late  for  daily 
news.  He  took  the  paper,  but  Aunt  Ruth  and  Kathie 
came  down  the  stairs  at  that  moment,  and  the  breakfast 
was  brought  in. 

Kathie  was  devoting  herself  to  Aunt  Ruth,  with  pretty 
delicate  attentions,  "  For,"  said  she,  "  it  is  so  seldom  that 
I  have  you  to  myself  that  I  mean  to  make  the  most  of  it." 

"  What  makes  you  all  so  queer  and  still?"  she  asked 
presently.  "  Fred,  what  has  happened?" 

The  young  man  flushed  redly  and  turned  a  half-fright- 
ened face  to  his  uncle. 

•     "  It  is  Fred's  secret  and  mine,"  said  his  uncle,  coming  to 
the  rescue. 

Mrs.  Alston  gave  her  son  a  hurried,  questioning  glance. 

"You  have  n't  lamed  Hero?"  cried  Kathie.  "I  want 
to  take  Aunt  Ruth  out.  I  can  count  on  this  day  without 
a  rival."  And  she  smiled. 

"Try  and  be  back  by  ten.  Will  that  give  you  long 
enough  drive  ?  "  asked  Uncle  Robert  with  gentle  gravity. 

"  Oh,  yes  ;  will  jrou  want  the  horses?  "   \ 

He  let  her  think  so.  They  must  have  had  the  news  last 
night  in  New  York.  There  was  a  train  at  ten,  and  he  felt 
sure  that  would  bring  General  Mackenzie. 

When  they  were  gone  he  told  Mrs.  Alston,  who  was 
greatly  shocked. 

"  Oh  !  "  she  declared,  "  Ruth  will  want  to  go  unless  the 
General  started  last  night.  It  is  very  real  motherhood  to 
her,  Robert." 

"  He  would  not  go  without  seeing  her.  It  is  an  exquis- 
itely tender  marriage  bond  as  well,"  smiling  gravely.  "  I 
hope  the  real  news  may  not  be  as  sad.  We  are  so  little 
used  to  anything  of  the  kind  now.  I  shall  walk  down  to 
the  station  and  meet  the  train." 


230  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

As  he  supposed,  General  Mackenzie  came.  The  two 
grasped  hands  in  heartfelt  sympathy. 

"  You  have  seen  the  word  ?    My  poor  boy ! " 

"  Just  the  briefest  telegram." 

"  Badly  wounded  in  the  hip  and  the  lung.  Conover, 
these  outbreaks  are  a  disgrace  to  civilization.  They  must 
be  fought  out  in  a  different  manner  if  ever  we  are  to  have 
peace.  Ruth  —  " 

"  She  does  not  know." 

"  Let  us  hurry  home.  Of  course  I  must  start  at  once. 
Every  moment  seems  an  age  to  me." 

As  they  reached  the  gate  they  saw  the  phaeton  winding 
up  the  drive. 

"  I  am  afraid  we  have  grown  cowards,"  General  Macken- 
zie said,  with  a  sad,  absent  smile.  "  How  will  she  bear  it?  " 

It  was  a  high  tribute  paid  to  her  motherhood,  real  only 
in  the  diviner  part,  love. 

She  saw  at  once  that  something  had  occurred.  After 
her  tender  greeting,  the}'  went  up  to  the  chamber  of  con- 
fidences, Aunt  Ruth's  room. 

"  What  has  happened?  Oh,  you  do  know,  Uncle  Rob- 
ert? "  And  Kathie  studied  him  with  painful  interest. 

"  Bruce  has  been  wounded  in  an  Indian  skirmish,  very 
badly,  they  fear." 

Kathie  turned  and  went  quietly  up-stairs.  Some  time 
after  —  it  seemed  an  hour,  but  it  was  not  more  than  ten 
minutes  —  she  heard  Aunt  Ruth's  voice  and  went  to  her, 
to  them,  standing  tenderly  in  the  midst  of  their  sorrow,  yet 
oh,  sad  irony  of  fate,  quite  outside,  sheltered  in  another 
love  ! 

They  were  going  "West  immediately.  The  one  comfort 
in  his  cup  was  the  exquisite  wifely  sympathy. 

By  noon  they  were  gone.  How  sudden  and  strange  it 
seemed !  Kathie  read  the  papers  and  then  wandered  about 
in  a  lonely  mood,  until  she  bethought  herself  that  she  owed 
Rob  a  letter. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  231 

In  the  evening's  mail  came  one  for  Uncle  Robert,  that 
caused  him  anxious  study. 

"I  wish  I  could  see  you,"  the  young  man  wrote.  "I  feel 
sometimes  as  if  I  should  go  out  of  my  senses  in  this  blank, 
dreary  loneliness.  I  have  given  up  fighting,  everything ! 
Let  fate  take  its  course.  For  the  child's  sake  it  is  best  to 
keep  the  wretched  secret.  Have  I  shut  myself  out  of 
home,  all  love,  all  sympathy,  all  trust?  When  I  think  of 
mother  and  her  bitter  disappointment  in  me,  harder  to  bear 
than  any  that  have  gone  before,  I  feel  as  if  I  ought  to  stay 
quite  away  from  you  all.  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  am  so  tired 
of  thinking.  Decide  for  me.  Whatever  way,  I  shall  be 
quite  content.  I  am  not  sure  but  that  I  can  bear  the  bur- 
den better  when  I  know  exactly  what  it  is  to  be." 

It  was  not  the  yielding  Robert  Conover  had  wished  for 
him.  Perhaps  that  was  asking  too  much.  It  was  not  pen- 
itence in  the  greater  sense,  only  sorrow  and  weariness.  He 
must  go  to  him  at  once,  for  hours  like  this  were  subtly 
alive  to  temptation.  It  was  not  full  salvation,  but  it 
is  a  long  way  from  the  city  of  destruction  to  the  heavenly 
city. 

It  would  be  better  to  tell  his  mother  now,  and  let  her  have 
the  intervening  time  to  get  over  the  shockjjpet  that  would 
commit  Robert  to  a  course  without  his  own  volition.  He 
wanted  him  to  choose  for  the  sake  of  after  years.  It  was  a 
sad  puzzle,  and  he  could  not  sleep,  thinking  it  over,  so 
when  morning  dawned  he  rose  unrefreshed. 

The  papers  came  with  fuller  details  of  the  massacre,  a 
cruel,  cowardly,  planned  affair,  in  which  several  brave  lives 
had  been  sacrificed.  Lieutenant  Mackenzie  was  reported 
dangerously  wounded. 

"  I  am  going  out  to  Chicago,"  Uncle  Robert  announced. 
"  1  think  our  boy  is  homesick,  and  may  bring  him  back." 

"  Let  me  go  with  you,"  cried  Fred  eagerly. 

"  But  we  cannot  leave  the  house  alone." 

' '  Why  not  take  us  all,  then  ?  "  inquired  Kathie.  "  Some- 
how we  should  be  nearer  Aunt  Ruth." 


232  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  I  don't  know  that  I  could  just  now,"  pausing  as  if  to 
consider. 

In  old  times  Mrs.  Alston  would  have  been  quick  to  take 
alarm.  Now,  she  seemed  to  turn  the  matter  over  in  her 
mind  leisurely. 

"  I  could  n't  go  on  so  short  a  notice,"  she  said. 

"And  I  shall  travel  rapidly.  "We  may  go  somewhere 
else,  Fred,  before  the  summer  is  over.  Cities  are  not 
alwa}'s  at  their  best  in  heat  and  dust." 

Kathie  alone  appeared  to  have  a  misgiving. 

"I  hope  nothing  will  happen  to  Rob,"  she  said.  "It 
seems  to  me  the  world  has  turned  gray  with  trouble." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

CERTAINLY  these  few  weeks  had  wrought  a  great  change 
in  Robert  Alston.  The  bright  complexion  had  grown  pal- 
lid, the  eyes  were  heavy  with  purple  shadows  underneath, 
and  the  eager,  joyous  vigor  changed  to  a  kind  of  stolid 
apathy. 

"  O  my  boy  !  "  Mr.  Conover  exclaimed  in  genuine  dis- 
tress, "  have  you  been  ill?" 

"  No."  But  the  grasp  of  the  hand  was  lifeless.  "That 
is,  I  don't  sleep  much  and  have  wretched  headaches.  I 
haven't  given  up  business,  though  I  have  been  offered  a 
month's  vacation." 

The  tone  indicated  an  impending  change,  even  if  he  had 
no  distinct  plan  in  view. 

"  You  have  never  been  out  of  my  mind  for  a  moment," 
said  the  elder  in  a  tone  of  warmest  sympathy.  "  I  have 
wanted  to  come,  but  I  did  not  know  whethw  I  should  help 
or  hinder.  Robert,  you  must  know  by  this  time  that  noth- 
ing can  change  our  love  for  you.  It  may  be  wounded  by 
coldness,  it  may  stand  silently  aside  when  thrust  out  of 
confidence,  but  it  is  always  waiting  for  you.  We  can  give, 
but  we  cannot  force  you  to  take.  That  is  your  own  part, 
your  own  work." 

He  gave  his  head  a  little  impatient  toss  and  frowned. 
"  Shall  we  go  to  a  hotel?"  he  asked.  "  I  have  changed 
my  boarding  place  and  have  only  a  little  box  of  a  room." 

"Yes,  that  will  be  better.  I  am  afraid  you  have  not 
been  taking  very  good  care  of  yourself." 

"  What  does  it  matter,"  wearily,  "  when  everything  has 
gone  out  of  life?" 


234  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"Robert,  you  are  making  a  fatal  mistake,"  began  his 
uncle  in  a  decisive  tone.  "  Life  is  just  opening  before  you. 
You  are  too  young  to  give  up  in  this  hopeless  way,  to 
wreck  yourself  for  one  sad  misstep.  You  made  such  a 
good,  brave  fight  at  first ;  you  kept  in  the  right  path  so 
steadfastly  that  I  can  hardly  understand  how  you  have  let 
yourself  drop  down  to  this  level.  It  is  unlike  you." 

"  I  had  not  come  to  the  dregs  then,"  bitterly. 

"  I  do  not  think  you  have  now,  or,  if  you  have,  remem- 
ber there  is,  or  should  be,  a  wholesome  tonic  in  the  bitter. 
If  you  had  loved  her  I  could  see  how  horribly  dark  and 
dreary  all  the  years  to  come  might  look,  unless  you  turned 
to  God's  light  and  strength  for  grace.  But  here  we  are. 
Let  us  take  a  room,  and  while  I  am  freshening  up  a  bit 
you  may  order  supper." 

Robert  Conover  felt  that  human  wisdom  and  strength 
were  vain,  and  he  cried  to  the  Lord  for  that  diviner  grace 
to  guide  this  young  soul  aright,  to  save  him  from  immi- 
nent wreck  and  perishing.  For  he  must  come  out  of  it 
rightly,  or  all  the  after  life  would  be  weak  and  flawed,  ren- 
dered dangerously  susceptible  to  other  temptations. 

The  young  man  ordered  the  supper  and  glanced  over 
the  evening  paper. 

"Of  course  you  know  all  about  Bruce,"  he  began. 
"Isn't  it  terrible?  And  his  father  and  Aunt  Ruth  have 
gone  out  to  him.  He  loves  her  so ;  I  don't  know  as  he 
could  love  an  own  mother  better."  Then  a  flush  quivered 
over  the  pale  face,  thinking  of  his  mother,  and  how  he  had 
never  seemed  to  know  quite  all  the  sweetness  and  depth 
between  mothers  and  sons  until  last  summer. 

"  How  did  Kathie  take  it?"  he  asked  abruptly.  "  She 
and  Bruce  were  such  friends  ;  but  I  suppose  the  new  love 
crowds  out  even'thing  else." 

"  She  wanted  to  come  out  with  me.  I  think  she  has 
been  deeply  touched  and  stirred,  but  your  mother  needed 
comforting."  Uncle  Robert's  thoughts  were  not  in  what 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  235 

he  was  saying  ;  a  new  idea  had  crossed  his  mind,  perhaps 
a  path  out  of  this  dreary  tangle,  —  a  little  way,  at  least. 

"  It  is  rather  critical." 

"  We  have  had  no  direct  word,  although  I  suppose  there 
is  some  at  home  now." 

Their  supper  was  an  extremely  silent  meal.  Evidently 
Robert  was  not  in  a  communicative  mood. 

"  Have  you  seen  her  since  she  went  to  the  asylum?  "  his 
uncle  asked. 

"  Yes,  once."  A  shiver  of  repugnance  crossed  the  pale 
face. 

"How  is  she?" 

"  She  goes  about  and  is  well,  I  suppose,  but  is  like  a 
silly  child.  She  does  n't  remember  anything,  or  any  one, 
and  is  not  much  trouble.  But  it  is  all  horrible  !  I  almost 
feel  as  if  it  were  quite  another  person ;  she  looks  differ- 
ently, even,  and  is  handsomer,  except  the  strange  expres- 
sion in  her  eyes." 

"  Have  you  formed  any  plans?"  was  the  gentle  inquiry. 

There  was  a  long  silence.  Rob  was  resting  his  elbow  on 
the  table  and  his  chin  on  the  palm  of  his  Jiand,  while  his 
eyes  seemed  fixed  on  the  far  corner  of  thewoom,  yet  were 
seeing  nothing.  To  Uncle  Robert  it  brought  back  some  of 
the  old  pictures  of  boyhood,  when  he  had  tried  to  bring  the 
lad  to  confession,  and  waited  patiently,  as  he  must  now. 

There  was  a  low,  husky  answer  presently. 

"  Yes." 

"  "Will  you  tell  me?  "  in  a  tender,  persuasive  tone. 

"  I  can't  stay  here  !  "  Rob  broke  out  suddenly,  with  the 
force  of  along  smouldering  flame.  "It  will  kill  me  or 
drive  me  crazy !  It  would  n't  be  fair  to  shift  all  these  bur- 
dens on  you  when  you  have  done  so  much,"  pausing  to 
steady  his  voice.  "  I  can  get  empk>3rment  elsewhere.  I 
will  do  my  best  and  care  for  her.  You  spoke  of  the 
child ;  I  would  rather  have  her  nearer  home  and  you." 

"  Where  will  you  go?  " 


23C  WHOM   KATHTE   MARRIED. 

"  I  don't  know,"  drearily.  "  I  thought  of  trying  CaK* 
fornia.  You  see  m}-  life  can  never  be  anything  again." 

"It  can,  Robert,  unless  you  wilfully  throw  it  away.  I 
think  3'our  manhood  so  far  has  been  honorable.  You  have 
allowed  yourself  to  drift  into  one  sad  mischance,  but  I 
dare  sa}T  you  know  of  others  who  have  gone  madly  into 
flagrant  sins.  You  should  have  kept  away  from  Miss 
Weeks  if  you  did  not  want  to  marry  her.  Still,  I  do  not 
hold  the  marrying  an  irreparable  sin.  You  did  not  love 
her ;  }'ou  did  not  really  know  what  love  was,  and  you 
yielded  to  a  dangerous  fascination.  Since  then  3'ou  have 
honestly  tried  to  repair  your  mistake.  I  think  3"ou  have 
been  unusually  prompt,  brave,  and  decided.  Your  course 
through  that  hard  time  goes  far  to  redeem  it  all  with  me. 
Now  3'ou  throw  away  all  the  patience,  experience,  and 
steadfast  virtue  of  that  time,  just  when  God  has  opened  a 
wa}r  to  still  higher  living,  to  a  manliness  and  honor  greater 
than  any  that  went  before.  He  has  given  you  one  chance 
to  come  out  of  it  without  absolute  disgrace.  The  fact  of 
her  travelling  under  an  assumed  name  at  the  time  of  the 
accident  happily  shielded  her  from  any  scandal  as  your 
wife.  The  little  talk  and  surmise  here  will  soon  die  outi 
as  you  have  said.  I,  too,  believe  a  change  is  best.  I  want 
you  to  come  out  of  this  with  your  real  manhood  unscathed, 
your  soul  pure  and  honest,  and  'of  good  report.'  Do  not 
look  at  the  long  years  to  come,  but  the  to-day,  in  which 
you  must  act.  God  gives  the  strength  like  the  manna  of 
old,  for  to-day  only,  and  never  fear  but  he  will  provide  for 
to-morrow  as  well.  It  is  a  hard  thing  to  learn.  The  Israel- 
ites in  the  wilderness  saved  it  up  and  found  it  useless." 

There  was  no  answering  light  in  thej'oung  eyes,  no  soft- 
ening of  the  tense  lines  about  the  face.  He  replied 
coldly :  — 

"  I  told  you  I  had  given  up  the  struggle.  Whatever 
you  think  best  —  " 

It  was  not  the  concession  Mr.  Conover  wished.    He  was 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  237 

patient,  remembering  his  own  youth,  and  too  wise  to  lose 
his  opportunity  by  striving  to  convince.  One  must  act  in 
many  cases  and  wait  for  the  justification  of  time. 

"  Thank  you  from  the  bottom  of  my  soul,  Robert.  I 
believe  you  will  never  regret  this.  The  awful  secret  we 
two  will  keep ;  rather,  we  will  put  it  in  God's  keeping. 
That  the  marriage  was  unwise,  infelicitous,  it  would  be 
wrong  to  deny.  I  think  you  will  find  love  and  sympathy 
awaiting  you  at  home." 

"  But  I  can't  endure  any  of  it  just  now,"  he  answered 
passionately. 

"  No;  it  is  best  that  I  should  make  the  explanations. 
You  have  gone  round  in  the  little  circle,  girt  by  fire  on 
every  side,  and  see  no  escape  ;  but  God  holds  it  out,  and 
I  think  you  will  accept  it  in  time.  And  now,  suppose  you 
go  out  to  Aunt  Ruth  ?  That  will  take  you  quite  beyond  the 
depth  and  despair  of  your  own  soul,  and  not  leave  you 
alone." 

A  sudden  flash  illumined  the  young  fage.  Then  he  said, 
"Suppose  they  should  not  want  mer  They  may  bring 
him  home." 

1 '  They  will  be  glad  to  have  you  in  either  event.  And  if 
they  return  }'ou  must  come  home  with  them." 

"  Uncle  Robert,  I  —  "  And  a  flush  mounted  the  very 
edge  of  his  forehead. 

"  You  have  given  the  matter  into  my  hands,  and  until 
my  method  fails  you  have  no  right  to  take  it  back." 

There  was  a  quiet  decision  that  had  always  gained  the 
victory  in  the  old  boyish  days.  Perhaps,  too,  he  was  weary 
of  his  fruitless  wandering  through  tangled  ways,  physically 
weak  and  rather  liking  the  proffered  strength.  It  was  not 
what  Robert  Conover  desired,  and  yet  he  accepted,  with 
a  grateful  prayer  to  God,  and  resolved  to  use  his  utmost 
efforts  for  the  larger  result. 

They  retired  quite  early,  and  for  the  first  night  in  a  long 
while  the  young  man  enjoyed  some  refreshing  slumber.  It 
was  visible  in  his  face  the  next  morning. 


238  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

It  had  not  fared  so  well  with  his  uncle.  His  soul  was 
full  of  anxious  questioning.  Had  he  taken  too  much 
responsibility  in  his  fear  for  the  lad  ?  The  buoyant  tem- 
perament, the  ease  with  which  he  laid  down  burdens,  the 
almost  forgetfulness  of  past  suffering,  might  be  doubly 
dangerous  here.  He  could  but  watch  and  pray. 

The  baby  was  well  and  gleesome.  Mr.  Conover  went 
alone  to  the  asylum,  and  found  Robert's  statement  entirely 
correct :  the  poor  creature  was  in  the  best  of  hands. 

Then  they  discussed  business,  and  it  was  decided  that  for 
the  present,  at  least,  Robert  would  relinquish  his  position. 
His  employers  spoke  of  him  in  terms  of  highest  praise, 
and  would  welcome  him  back  at  any  time.  They  tele- 
graphed to  General  Mackenzie,  and  received  word  that  Rob- 
ert would  be  most  welcome.  When  the  lad  was  started  on 
his  journey,  Mr.  Conover  turned  his  steps  wearily  home- 
ward. Robert  had  thrown  off  so  much  of  the  burden 
already.  True,  he  had  been  deeply  grateful,  affected  even 
to  an  unusual  show  of  tenderness  ;  but  what  would  be  the 
result,  —  any  clearer  sight  or  greater  strength? 

They  were  all  glad  enough  to  get  him  back  at  Cedar- 
wood.  The  news  from  Aunt  Ruth  was  not  encouraging. 
Charlie  Darrell  had  gone  to  Connecticut  to  take  a  month's 
duty  for  a  friend,  ordained  the  year  before  and  now  absent 
on  a  bridal  tour.  He  had  spoken  tenderly  and  sympatheti- 
cally of  Bruce  and  tried  to  cheer  Kathie  with  bright  hopes  ; 
then  his  heart  had  gone  back  to  his  own  dreams.  This 
pretty  little  town,  with  just  business  enough  to  give  it  a 
brisk  air,  framed  in  with  mountains  and  outlying  farms,  a 
small  church,  ivy  grown,  a  cottage  near  tiiat  had  been 
modernized  into  a  gem  of  beauty  by  the  taste  of  its  pos- 
sessor ;  a  quaint,  artistic  study,  with  pictures  and  a  well- 
chosen  though  not  large  library ;  rooms  cos}',  inviting, 
peaceful .  Charlie  Darrell  read  and  dreamed ,  mused  through 
lovely,  soft  evenings,  with  a  vague  shadow  at  his  side, 
of  the  time  that  was  to  be.  And  to  Kathie,  whose  ten- 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  239 

der  heart  was  full  of  another's  sufferings,  these  things 
seemed  to  speak  of  self,  of  a  narrowness  in  life,  instead  of 
the  generous  sympathy  she  craved.  She  could  not  think 
now  of  beautifying  rooms,  or  discussing  the  respective 
merits  of  Palmer's  or  Thorwaldsen's  "  Night  and  Morn- 
ing," or  the  most  exquisite  tint  for  photographs. 

"Dear  Uncle  Robert,"  she  cried,  "we  have  been  so 
lonely  without  }TOU.  I  shall  never  let  you  go  away  again." 
And  her  soft  arms  were  folded  tightly  about  his  neck. 

"  But  you  —  "  There  was  a  suggestive  inflection  in  the 
tone. 

"  Oh,  I  do  not  know  !  "  with  a  weary  little  sigh.  "  Sup- 
pose I  never  did  go?  What  if  the  boys  were  married, 
and  I  stayed  right  along  here  with  you  and  mamma?  " 

He  kissed  her  gently. 

That  night,  after  the  rest  had  retired,  Uncle  Robert  had 
his  sad  confidence  with  his  sister.  Mrs.  Alston  was 
shocked,  incredulous,  kindlecfcto  a  fire  of  passionate  un- 
reason. Nothing  could  be  too  bitter,  too  harsh  to  say  of 
the  girl  who  had  tricked  and  inveigled  her  son  into  such  a 
marriage. 

He  let  her  anger  spend  itself.  From  indignation  she 
frent  to  tears,  and  this  mood  was  still  harder  to  relieve. 
He  had  been  through  the  bitter  hurt  himself,  and  was 
patient.  He,  too,  had  seen  the  large  and  perfect  possibil- 
ity awaiting  the  youth,  but  not  with  a  mother's  heart. 

She  came  round  to  this  presently. 

"Robert,"  she  said,  "it  was  shameful  to  be  keeping 
such  a  secret  last  summer.  Think  of  the  pleasant  times, 
of  the  love  he  seemed  to  show  as  never  before,  of  Fay, — 
I  can't  understand  ;  he  does  like  her,  and  we  should  all  be 
so  glad  !  And  yet  he  is  bound  to  that  thing !  Can  he  not 
get  free,  Robert? "she  cried  in  an  agony  of  grief  and 
desire. 

"  Not  to  marry  Fay  Collamore,  much  as  we  all  love  her. 
Think,  Dora ;  human  laws  are  made  for  the  preservation 


240  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

of  society,  divine  laws  for  the  preservation  of  the  soul,  and 
we  have  no  right  to  help  another  to  overstep  the  bounds, 
no  right  to  lift  him  out  of  the  gulf  of  his  own  folly  and  set 
him  in  a  large  room  where  he  shall  not  suifer  or  miss  any- 
thing." 

"  Then  he  had  no  right  —  " 

"  He  had  no  right  to  keep  the  secret,  but  it  was  a  diffi- 
cult place  to  be  in.  I  can  imagine  that  if  she  had  been 
different  it  would  have  been  easier  to  tell.  And  yet  I  am 
glad  he  did  not  bring  her  home.  He  saw  the  utter  incon- 
gruity, and  that  is  something  for  him,  for  any  man  who 
goes  beyond  the  pale  of  propriety  in  marriage.  There  is 
this  to  be  said  in  his  behalf,  she  was  dangerously  beautiful, 
utterly  unscrupulous,  older  and  wiser  in  the  world's  ways 
than  he.  Still  we  must  not  forget  that  he  had  no  right  to 
throw  himself  into  temptation ;  and  I  think  he  was  very 
brave  and  discreet  last  summer.  To  have  avoided  Miss 
Collamore  when  she  was  brought  in  our  midst  would  have 
been  rude,  but  the  many  delicate  little  evasions  he  prac- 
tised made  me  fear  there  was  some  entanglement,  though 
I  did  not  suspect  a  marriage.  And  when  he  had  in  a 
measure  shut  himself  out  of  home  sympathy  and  love,  I 
think  he  began  to  realize  how  sweet  a  thing  it  was.  I  only 
wonder  that  he  kept  it  so  rigidly,^/ 

"  O  my  poor  darling !  My  boy,  my  bo}' !  Must  he 
always  wring  our  hearts?  O  Robert,  what  a  heavy  bur- 
den yours  has  been  ! "  And  her  tears  flowed  afresh. 

"  There  ought  to  be  something  after  thirty  odd  years  of 
selfish  living,"  he  replied  in  a  tone  of  deep  emotion. 
"And,  Dora,  I  have  a  hope  for  him.  His  sins  have  not 
been  those  of  viciousness  or  real  weakness,  but  that  head- 
long thoughtlessness.  And,  my  dear,  God  takes  so  much 
from  us  all,  even  the  best,  that  we  must  be  patient  and 
long-suffering  with  these  our  brethren." 

"Yes,"  she  answered  drearily,  "we  shall  be  patient 
with  him,  how  many  times  ?  " 


WHOM   KATHIE    MAERIED.  241 

"  "We  have  not  reached  the  full  measure,  the  gospel 
measure."  And  he  gave  a  tender  little  smile. 

She  buried  her  face  and  wept  softly.  It  was  such  a  bit- 
ter disappointment.  The  mother's  pride,  and  love,  and 
trust  had  been  cruelly  slain  just  when  it  believed  all  dan- 
ger past.  Other  mothers  had  sons  who  never  brought 
them  a  pang,  and  she  thought  of  Charlie  Darrell,  of  Dick 
Grayson.  Why  had  this  come  upon  her? 

She  said  this  presently  to  her  brother. 

"  I  wonder,"  he  returned  in  a  soft,  vague  tone,  "  if  there 
is  not  sometimes  a  sacrifice,  a  sort  of  slain  right  in  these 
things  that  brings  a  remission,  a  bearing  of  the  cross  for 
another,  rather  than  any  judgment  for  ourselves.  The 
innocent  suffers  for  the  guilty  to  teach  us  all  that  no  sin 
or  weakness  is  ever  quite  alone  in  its  consequences,  that 
ours  may  react  on  another.  And  when  we  do  learn  it 
we  shall  have  the  care  for  others  that  brings  us  up  to  the 
divine  love." 

"  Robert,"  she  asked,  after  a  long  while,  "  what  about 
the  child  and  her  relations  ?  "  with  a  shiver  of  disgust. 

"  Robert  will  never  be  troubled  with  them,  I  fancy. 
After  all,  people  of  that  class  have  a  tendency  to  sta}r 
where  they  belong ;  they  do  not  enjoy  higher  and  purer 
air.  We  can  and  shall  dismiss  them  forever.  The  child 
I  shall  care  for." 

"  You  will  not  bring  it  here  !  "  she  cried  suddenly,  in  a 
tone  of  distress. 

"  Certainly  not,  if  it  would  pain  you.  It  is  very  well 
cared  for  with  a  good  woman  who  is  fond  of  it." 

"  And  as  long  as  that  creature  lives,  Robert  must  pro- 
vide for  her  ?  " 

"  We  could  hardly  turn  her  over  to  charit}-." 

Mrs.  Alston  rose  with  a  kind  of  grave,  injured  dignity 
that  showed  how  deep  the  wound  had  gone. 

"  You  must  excuse  me  any  further  talk,"  she  exclaimed 
brokenly  ;  "  I  feel  half  crazed  with  all  this.  If  I  have  not 
16 


242  WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED. 

borne  it  as  I  should,  pardon  me,  for  it  ia  so  hard,  so 
hard.  Good  night." 

Oh,  what  of  the  boy?  Would  he  be  saved,  as  by  fire, 
if  the  flames  scorched  even  here  ? 

Kathie  was  not  long  in  guessing  that  something  had 
transpired.  She  helped  Fred  get  ready  for  a  little  fishing 
party,  then  she  went  up  to  Mrs.  Alston's  room  to  find  her 
mother  weeping  passionately. 

"  O  mamma  !     Is  Bruce  —  " 

u  You  can  think  of  nothing  but  Bruce,"  said  the  mother 
in  a  wounded  tone,  that  filled  Kathie  with  dismay. 

"  O  mamma !  "  with  a  long,  quivering  breath. 

' '  My  darling !  "  the  mother's  arms  were  about  her. 
"  Kathie,  my  heart  is  neany  broken.  Go  to  Uncle 
Robert,  he  will  tell  you ;  you  must  know  sooner  or  later. 
Let  me  remain  alone  with  my  sorrow." 

Kathie  stood  quite  still  a  moment,  in  utter  amazement ; 
then  she  turned  slowly.  The  comfort  with  her  was  that 
she  obeyed  without  stopping  to  discuss  reasons. 

Uncle  Robert  was  slowly  pacing  the  wide  hall ;  her  awe- 
stricken  face  startled  him. 

"  Mamma  said  I  might  come  to  you.  O  Uncle  Robert, 
what  great  sorrow  —  is  it  Aunt  Ruth  ? "  with  a  strong, 
apprehensive  shiver. 

"  It  is  a  sorrow  time  may  mend.  Put  on  your  hat  and 
let  us  go  out  under  the  trees  ;  I  can  tell  you  better  there." 

Many  a  time  in  after  years  Kathie  recalled  the  scene 
like  a  picture.  The  soft,  wandering  air,  the  sun  sailing 
through  fleecy  drifts  that  toned  its  blazing  rays,  the  little 
nooks  of  shade  made  by  the  wide-spreading  spruce  and 
firs,  the  tasselled  larch,  where  a  tiny  wren  came  and  sang 
its  song,  flew  away,  and  returned  with  the  same  dainty 
little  burden  that  it  must  unfold  to  sun  and  air.  It 
seemed  at  first  quite  as  if  it  could  not  be  their  own  Robert, 
but  a  story  about  some  one  else.  But  her  mother's  grief; 
ah,  yes,  that  made  it  all  real 


WHOM   KATHIE    MAKRIED.  243 

Her  tears  dropped  silently 

' '  O  Uncle  Robert !  "  she  said,  with  a  great,  pitiful  sob, 
"  can  she  never  come  to  sense  and  memory  again?  May 
be  she  might  have  learned  to  love  and  to  care.  And  the 
little  baby,  —  Rob's  baby  ?  " 

He  knew  then  it  would  have  one  friend  ;  but  he  almost 
grudged  the  tender  tears  for  the  other,  knowing  well  the 
worst  part,  that  would  have  shocked  them  with  horror,  and 
perhaps  entirely  rehabilitated  Rob,  had  been  withheld 
Was  it  right  and  just?  For  an  instant  he  felt  quite  un- 
certain. 

There  followed  a  quiet  interval  at  Cedarwood.  Kathie 
spent  her  time  in  trying  to  comfort  her  mother.  She  was 
glad  in  those  days  that  Fay  Collamore  had  gone  to  Lake 
George  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hunsdon.  Emma  was  her  only 
friend,  and  they  two  drew  nearer  in  a  tender  spiritual 
communion. 

Once  Kathie  had  spoken  of  having  the  baby,  but  her 
mother  had  answered  with  a  sharp,  sudden  pain.  Charlie 
came  home  full  of  joy  and  hope,  but  he  tempered  it  sweetly 
to  the  sorrow  he  found.  Every  day  or  two  they  heard 
from  Aunt  Ruth.  Robert  had  come,  and  they  were  so  glad 
to  have  him.  Bruce  lived,  but  it  was  a  doubtful  question. 
They  ah1  hoped,  they  could  not  give  him  up. 

The  whisper  floated  about  that  Robert  Alston  had  made 
a  secret,  unfortunate  marriage,  and  that  his  wife  through 
an  accident  had  lost  her  mind. 

Dick  Grayson  knew  more  about  her,  though  he  made  no 
comment  to  any  one  save  Mr.  Conover. 

"  They  were  a  bad  lot,"  he  said  ;  "  I  don't  see  how  Rob 
could  have  been  fooled,  by  them ;  but  the  girl  was  very 
pretty.  And,  somehow,  I  'm  not  sure  but  I  would  rather 
have  her  in  an  asylum,  out  of  harm's  way,  than  to  do  as 
her  sister  has  done.  But  poor  Rob !  We  must  all  try  to 
make  it  up  to  him." 


CHAPTER    XX. 

THE  very  brooding  over  her  sorrow  worked  a  partial 
cure  in  Mrs.  Alston's  case.  She  saw  the  suffering,  the 
shame,  the  fear,  the  brave  resolve  to  eat  the  bitter  fruit  he 
had  gathered,  to  make  no  outcry  at  the  sting,  since  he  had 
grasped  the  nettles  of  his  own  will  and  pleasure.  She 
longed  for  a  first  word  from  him,  and  yet  she  admired  the 
strength  that  could  wait  and  accept  the  sentence. 

Yet  he  was  hers,  and  nothing  could  weaken  that  bond. 
She  could  recall  so  many  little  remorseful  touches  of  the 
summer  before ;  once  when  he  had  stood  with  his  arms 
clasped  about  her  neck,  and  said,  to  some  little  word  of 
hers.  "  I  wish  I  were  more  worthy  of  your  love,  but  the 
duty  of  my  coming  years  must  be  to  make  myself  so." 
And  the  little  thoughtful  courtesies  that  had  never  been 
much  in  his  way  before,  how  they  touched  her  now. 

So  she  wrote  a  brief  note,  blotted  by  tears,  and  he  an- 
swered. They  knew  it  had  come,  but  its  contents  were 
sacred  to  her.  Then  he  wrote  to  Uncle  Robert :  — 

"  During  one  of  the  long  night-watches,  when  the  Gen- 
eral was  quite  used  up,  I  told  Aunt  Ruth  my  story,  all  that 
we  decided  had  better  be  known.  Uncle  Robert,  I  think  I 
must  have  behaved  brutally  to  you  during  that  last  visit ! 
I  was  almost  crazy  with  loneliness  and  despair,  and  fight- 
ing for  the  thing  I  wanted.  I  see  some  of  it  now.  Aunt 
Ruth  has  been  so  sweet,  so  lovely,  and,  though  I  can 't 
accept  it  all  now  as  you  would  like  me  to,  I  have  come  to 
my  senses  a  little.  I  can  never  make  amends  for  your 
love  and  patience,  and  I  have  broken  poor  mother's  heart. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  245 

O  Uncle  Robert,  why  don't  we  have  a  little  sense,  a  little 
sure  faith  in  the  inexorable  laws  of  right  and  wrong  ?  We 
cannot  overstep  them  and  go  scot  free.  Every  wrong  way 
has  its  penal ty. 

"  Comfort  my  mother.  I  shall  not  ask  you  to  forgive 
me  until  I  have  in  some  sense  earned  it  by  my  endeavors 
in  the  future  :  as  if  I  ever  could  earn  it  or  repay  you  for 
what  you  have  done." 

Bruce  was  better.  The  wound  in  the  lung  was  under 
control,  but  the  hip  was  not  doing  as  well  as  the}'  wished. 
There  was  a  great  deal  of  anxiety  lest  it  should  settle  to 
permanent  lameness,  but  they  were  all  coming  home. 
Jessie  Meredith  and  Kathie  had  orders  to  find  a  cosy  fur- 
nished house  for  winter  quarters.  Aunt  Ruth  was  anxious 
that  Dr.  Markham  should  have  her  boy  under  his  care. 
And  again  she  said :  "  I  hardly  know  what  we  would  have 
done  without  Robert.  I  think  him  truly  brave  and  noble. 
He  lacks  only  the  '  one  thing,'  and  I  am  not  sure  but  the 
discipline  of  living  out  of  this  sorrow  will  lead  him  to  it." 

Fred  returned  to  college  and  the  family  went  to  the  city 
for  a  visit.  Hunting  a  house  was  a  new  and  perplexing, 
as  well  as  absorbing  interest.  There  were  enough  of  them, 
as  Jessie  said,  but  some  were  all  up  stairs  and  down,  others 
all  style  and  show.  Mrs.  Gamier  came  to  the  relief  at 
last,  with  a  pretty  home,  whose  owner,  a  }roung  widow,  was 
going  to  Cuba  for  the  winter.  The  lower  floor  had  a  cosy 
reception  and  dining  room,  with  a  spacious  kitchen,  and 
up  stairs  a  lovely  parlor,  taking  in  the  whole  front,  with 
two  alcoves,  and  two  sleeping-rooms  beside,  and  apart- 
ments farther  up  in  abundance. 

"  This  will  do  admirably,"  Jessie  decided.  "  Bruce  can 
have  the  range  of  this  floor,  and  there  will  be  very  little 
going  up  and  down  for  Aunt  Ruth.  Then  the  furniture 
and  adornments  are  neat  and  harmonious,  which  is  a  great 
thing  for  an  invalid,  and  is  just  far  enough  from  the  ave- 
nue to  afford  quiet." 


246  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Mrs.  Alston  had  brought  Jane  Maybin  with  her,  and 
engaged  a  nice  tidy  country  woman  for  housekeeper. 

They  had  just  completed  all  arrangements  when  the  tel- 
egram came.  The  party  would  reach  New  York  the  fol- 
lowing morning. 

Mrs.  Alston  had  meant  to  accompany  the  family  to 
receive  them,  but  at  the  last  moment  her  courage  failed,  and 
so  the  four  went  without  her.  Mr.  Meredith  had  planned 
everything  for  the  invalid's  comfort,  so  there  would  be  no 
confusion  or  delay.  They  watched  eagerly  as  the  long 
train  wound  its  way  slowly  in. 

Kathie  and  Jessie  stood  a  little  back,  and  the  crowd 
kept  surging  between  them  and  the  gentlemen.  Then  Rob 
stood  on  the  car  step  and  grasped  his  uncle's  hand,  and 
General  Mackenzie  followed  him. 

"Jessie  and  Kathie  are  here,"  said  Mr.  Conover. 
"  Bring  Aunt  Ruth  and  let  us  send  them  home  in  a  car- 
riage, and  attend  to  the  rest  afterward." 

It  was  a  good  plan.  Rob  had  just  a  moment  to  come 
and  clasp  their  hands,  and  see  that  Aunt  Ruth  was  safe 
between  them  all. 

"  Wait  a  moment ;  I  think  I  will  go  in  the  carriage  with 
you,"  said  Mr.  Meredith. 

While  the  horses  stood  still  Jessie  asked  a  few  questions. 
It  seemed  to  Kathie  she  could  only  look  at  Aunt  Ruth  and 
wonder. 

"Bruce  stood  the  journey  very  well,"  Aunt  Ruth  was 
saying.  "  Until  last  night  he  did  not  show  any  special 
signs  of  fatigue,  but  he  is  extremely  weak.  He  does  not 
gain  strength  as  we  hoped  he  would,  and  his  father  is 
afraid  the  hip  may  settle  into  a  permanent  lameness.  We 
were  so  anxious  to  see  Dr.  Markham."  And  she  smiled 
over  to  Kathie.  "  I  am  not  sure  but  it  would  have  been 
better  if  we  had  brought  him  at  the  very  earliest  possible 
moment ;  but  we  had  to  guard  against  the  strain  and  hem- 
orrhages." 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  247 

"  How  dreadful  it  has  been !  "  Kathie  sighed  softly. 
*'  And  we  thought  the  war  was  all  over.  You  know  Bruce 
used  to  laugh  about  being  a  peace  soldier." 

"  The  war  never  seems  quite  all  over,"  Aunt  Ruth 
returned  gravely. 

"Now,"  exclaimed  Mr.  Meredith,  springing  in,  "the 
rest  of  the  procession  is  under  way.  Kathie,  do  you 
remember  what  a  lank,  white  fellow  I  was  when  Jessie 
brought  me  home?  There  will  be  some  nursing  for  you, 
to  keep  your  hand  in.  I  think  we  can  both  answer  for 
her,  Mrs.  Mackenzie?" 

Aunt  Kuth  smiled  faintly  again  as  she  pressed  the  hand 
that  clasped  hers  so  fondly.  Then  the  carriage  rattled 
over  the  stones  and  there  was  no  more  talking.  They 
reached  home  a  long  while  the  first,  and  Aunt  Ruth  had 
time  to  lay  off  her  wraps  and  take  a  view  of  her  new  dom- 
icile. 

"  Oh,  how  very  pretty  !  "  And  a  soft  pink  flush  over- 
spread her  face. 

Mrs.  Alston  held  her  in  her  arms  many  moments  ;  then 
there  was  a  stir  in  the  street. 

' '  Send  Robert  in  here  to  me  when  you  have  done  with 
him,"  she  whispered,  and  disappeared  in  the  adjoining 
room. 

The  strong  arms  formed  a  litter,  and  bore  Bruce  up  to 
the  parlor,  where  Mr.  Meredith  had  arranged  a  large  and 
comfortable  reclining  chair.  But  as  they  laid  him  down 
they  saw  he  had  fainted  quite  away. 

Kathie  looked  on  curiously,  awe-stricken.  She  had 
never  seen  Bruce  but  in  the  highest  state  of  physical  health. 
She  could  not  remember  that  he  had  ever  complained  of  a 
pain.  He  had  gloried  so  in  walks  and  climbs  up  danger- 
ous mountain-sides.  He  had  rowed  and  driven  like  an  ath- 
lete. And  always  the  splendid  coloring  of  youth  and  vigor, 
of  ambition  and  hope,  —  hope  in  the  seen  and  unseen  ;  and 
now  the  dark  edge  of  hair  framed  in  a  thin,  transparent  face 


248  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

that  bore  the  marks  of  high  suffering,  a  heroic  struggle 
somewhere,  that  at  the  first  moment  dazed  and  confused 
her,  when  it  seemed  as  if  she  ought  to  hold  in  her  own 
hand  the  clew.  She  could  only  think  of  one  thing  dis- 
tinctly. 

He  opened  his  eyes  suddenly,  and  drew  a  long,  shudder- 
ing breath,  as  little  shadows  of  returning  animation  quiv- 
ered through  the  translucent  veins.  His  lips  moved,  his 
hand  was  outstretched,  and  a  tender  light  gleamed  in  his 
eye. 

"  Kathie !  " 

He  had  seen  her  for  an  instant,  as  in  Heaven.  When 
she  clasped  his  hand,  when  she  stooped  over  and  kissed 
the  marble  brow,  he  had  lapsed  into  forgetfulness. 

"  Kathie," —  Eob  touched  her.  "  Mother,"  —  and  there 
was  a  tremulous  quaver  in  his  voice. 

She  led  him  to  the  door  and  opened  it  softly,  just  utter- 
ing "  Mamma  "  in  her  gentlest  tone. 

They  went  straight  to  each  other's  arms  :  the  one,  know- 
ing how  it  must  be,  because  he  understood  the  great  love  ;  the 
other,  having  found  her  lost  piece  of  money,  was  content. 
Not  the  prodigal  who  had  gone  down  to  the  depths  of  the 
husks  and  swine,  but  the  one  who  had  squandered  and  be- 
trayed love,  who  had  gone  astray  and  was  found. 

Kathie  wandered  around  in  a  strange  state  of  awe  and 
loneliness.  Mr.  Meredith  had  gone  for  Dr.  Markham. 
Uncle  Robert  and  the  General  were  trying  to  make  the 
invalid  comfortable  and  picking  up  the  travelling  wraps. 

"  Jane,"  Kathie  exclaimed,  "  I  think  there  ought  to  be 
a  sort  of  breakfast  luncheon  for  them.  I  dare  say  they  ate 
very  little  this  morning.  Make  some  tea  and  coffee,  and 
I  will  arrange  the  table." 

That  gave  her  a  connecting  interest  with  the  world  again. 
It  seemed  as  if  she  had  been  in  some  strange  country,  had 
half  known  or  seen  something  she  ought  to  know  wholly, 
and  now  she  was  on  the  outside  rim  again. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  249 

"  It  is  the  excitement  and  confusion,"  she  thought. 
"  And  oh,  poor  Bruce  !  " 

Dr.  Markham  had  been  holding  himself  in  readiness  for 
the  summons.  The  General  and  he  were  closeted  a  long 
while  with  the  invalid,  but  presently  they  rejoined  the 
others  at  the  table,  where  he  gave  Kathie  numberless  orders, 
and  teased  her  a  little  about  donning  a  black  gown  and 
white  cap  and  becoming  a  regular  Sister  of  Mercy. 

"  Of  course  the  poor  fellow  is  dreadfully  worn  out  by 
the  journey,  and  weak  from  loss  of  blood,"  explained  Mr. 
Meredith.  ' '  Markham  thinks  the  treatment  of  the  hip 
has  n't  been  quite  the  thing,  but  the  other  was  all  right, 
and,  though  the  lung  may  require  a  little  carefulness,  there  's 
no  trouble  to  be  apprehended  from  it.  People  rarely  get 
over  these  things  in  a  day  or  two.  I  did  n't  myself."  And 
he  smiled  humorously. 

"  But  it's  a  kind  of  fight  for  life,  after  all,"  Rob  said, 
later  on,  to  Kathie.  "  There  was  one  night  that  I 
wished  I  could  die  in  his  stead,  and  I  understood  then 
what  a  comfort  it  was  to  pray,"  with  a  low,  reverent 
intonation.  "And  I  know  how  he  feels;  he  wants  to 
get  entirely  well.  He 's  so  young,  and  he  has  always 
been  so  strong.  Kathie,  I  don't  know  but  Bruce  is  the 
bravest  hero  of  them  all.  It  was  a  good  thing  in  Uncle 
Robert  to  send  me  out  there.  And  when  I  found  him 
bearing  a  life-long  sorrow  —  " 

"  Oh,  he  will  get  well!"  cried  Kathie  in  a  passion  of 
tender  pain. 

Rob  stopped  and  colored.  This  was  not  the  fidelity  he 
had  promised. 

"  We  all  hope  so.  But  he  may  never  be  as  strong, 
and  possibly  have  to  change  his  whole  career." 

"  Rob,  I  do  not  think  Bruce  cared  altogether  for  mili- 
tary glory,  or  as  much  as  he  used  at  West  Point,"  Kathie 
answered,  with  a  vague  consciousness  of  some  change. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meredith  left  them  in  the  afternoon. 
Bruce  had  been  put  in  the  middle  room,  and  was  quite 


250  WHOM   KATHIE    MAHRIED. 

comfortable,  but,  oh,  so  ghostly  wan,  and  white,  even  to 
his  hands ! 

"Quite  fine,  is  n't  it,  old  fellow?"  he  said  to  Rob. 
"  Civilization  has  its  advantages,  we  must  admit,  and  it  is 
extremely  pleasant  to  the  eye.  Ought  we  to  class  these 
among  the  pomps  and  vanities? "  glancing  around. 

"  Not  a  bit.  The  best  of  all  things  could  never  be  too 
good  for  you,  and  }*ou  '11  never  hoard  them  up  or  crowd 
out  any  one  else  !  "  was  the  earnest  rejoinder. 

"  And  I  made  quite  a  Miss  Nancy  of  myself  fainting 
away  and  all!  "  with  a  wan  little  smile.  "  I  did  get  so 
horribly  tired  last  night,  and  then  jolting  over  the  stones 
was  excruciating.  But  Dr.  Markham  thinks  it  may  all 
come  out  right  in  the  end." 

"It  will,  it  must,"  declared  Rob  vigorously.  "God 
won't  give  you  anything  harder  to  bear,  when  you  've  been 
so  brave,  so  —  " 

"The  thorn  in  the  flesh!  St.  Paul  suffered  all  his 
life  long.  And  coming  nearer  home,  mother  is  a  little 
lame,  and  it  adds  a  sort  of  piquancy ;  she  never  com- 
plains." 

"  But  Aunt  Ruth  always  was  an  angel !  " 

"  And  a  six-footer  without  petticoats  might  make  a  guy 
of  himself.  It  does  n't  add  any  romance  to  a  man,  does 
it  ?  Where  is  mother  ?  " 

"  Gone  to  lie  down." 

"  Poor,  sweet  mother.  O  Rob,  I  'm  so  thankful  for 
my  share  of  her." 

"  And  how  like  a  brute  I  've  been  all  my  life  to  an  own, 
real  mother !  "  Rob  said  in  a  remorsefully  passionate  tone. 
"  O  Bruce,  I  thought  of  your  grand  verse  to-day,  about 
the  heights  and  depths,  and  powers  and  principalities,  and 
I  could  n't  help  saying  a  little  of  it  to  mother,  for  nothing 
ever  can  separate  us  again.  It  has  been  so  horrible  these 
years,  when  I  had  the  bitter  realization  that  I  had  put  such 
a  gulf  between." 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  251 

The  thin  hand  stretched  out  and  found  the  other  so 
plump  and  warm. 

"  And  if  that  love  is  so  great,  what  about  the  other, 
Rob  ?  If  it  is  so  sweet  to  get  home  to  the  heart  of  human 
affection,  what  of  the  Divine?  " 

"  I  can't  see  it  all  —  " 

"  I  believe  you  will  presently.  The  mistake  is,  we  do 
not  any  of  us  see  it  all,  or  all  the  time.  There  are 
clouds,  and  storms,  and  wanderings.  And  in  our  slothful- 
ness  we  are  not  looking  out  continually." 

"Rob,"  he  said  again,  after  a  long  silence,  "did  I 
see  her?" 

"  Yes,  no  ;  you  had  fainted  away." 

"  And  I  dreamed  she  came  and  kissed  me." 

' '  Oh,  she  did ;  that  was  n't  a  dream  !  And  she  is 
frightened  half  out  of  her  wits." 

' '  Do  you  know  if  she  is  going  to  stay  ?  " 

"  She  is  here  yet.  Dr.  Markham  said  she  was  to 
help  Aunt  Ruth  nurse  you.  I  don't  know  what  mamma 
thinks,  but  it  shall  be  just  as  you  wish.  No  one  shall 
make  you  suffer  a  needless  pang." 

Several  changes  passed  over  the  pale  face.  He  thought 
he  had  fought  it  all  out,  given  her  up,  but  the  renunciation 
was  one  thing  out  there,  alone,  and  here  quite  another. 

' '  Bruce  —  I  don't  think  —  and  Kathie  —  she  does  n't 
know,"  incoherently  began  Robert,  but  the  hope  in  his 
face  pieced  together  the  broken  sentences. 

"  Oh,  Rob,  hush,"  the  feeble  voice  entreated.  "  You 
are  so  strong,  so  full  of  vigor,  and  life,  and  health ;  let  me 
lean  on  you  a  little  now,  and  do  not  tempt  me  to  covet 
my  neighbors'  joys.  If  I  cannot  see  her  without  desiring, 
longing,  I  have  no  right  to  see  her  at  all.  I  must  take  a 
coward's  place  and  skulk  in  the  rear,  along  the  hedges." 

"  But—" 

"  He  that  hath  used  no  deceit  in  his  tongue,  nor  done 
evil  to  his  neighbor  —  " 


252  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"O  Bruce,  you  think  of  it  all."  And  he  hid  his  face 
repentantly  on  the  pillow.  "  I  never  can,  and  that  is  why." 

"We  must  do  a  little  pulling  in  the  same  boat,  old 
chap!"  And  the  words  came  with  a  quivering  sigh.  "Don't 
3-ou  remember  how  He  lay  and  slept  in  the  boat  until  they 
came  and  called  him,  and  he  is  always  there  to  say 
'  Peace.'  You  know  we  settled  the  other  matter." 

"  But  you  never  had  a  chance,  at  least  not  a  fair  chance, 
and  that  is  what  bothers  me  so.  If  she  had  seen  you  to- 
gether. Oh,  forgive  me,  Bruce,  I  never  will  pain  you  so 
again !  Oh,  don't  faint,"  besought  the  lad,  pitifully,  his 
eyes  swimming  in  tears. 

"  No,  I  am  not  going  to  faint ;  but  I  am  so  weak  to-day. 
Suppose  you  read  a  little,  Rob,  the  dear  old  '  In  Memo- 
riam.'" 

Rob  found  the  book  ;  he  had  put  it  in  his  satchel.  He 
had  read  a  good  deal  to  Bruce  in  the  last  fortnight,  and 
found  it  very  soothing.  There  was  so  much  in  the  poem 
to  comfort  them  both. 

They  heard  Kathie's  voice  presently  in  the  adjoining  room 
talking  to  Aunt  Ruth. 

"  Rob,"  he  said,  in  the  little  pause,  "  suppose  we  have 
it  over ;  I  must  see  her  some  time." 

Rob  opened  the  door.  "  You  have  not  been  in  to  visit 
our  invalid,  mother,"  he  said,  as  he  caught  sight  of  her  by 
the  window.  "  And  you,  Kathie,  unless  he  frightened  you 
out  of  your  stately  composure." 

"Oh,  no,  indeed";  and  Kathie  smiled.  "Come, 
mamma,"  holding  out  her  hand. 

"How  is  he,  Robert?  "  asked  Aunt  Ruth. 

"  He  wanted  to  see  them,"  Rob  made  answer,  includ- 
ing his  plural  with  a  slight  hesitation,  for  though  the  sub- 
ject had  never  been  spoken  of  between  them,  he  under- 
stood the  fear  implied  in  Aunt  Ruth's  tone. 

Mrs.  Alston  was  much  shocked.  It  hardly  seemed  that 
one  could  change  so  greatly.  Kathie  came  around  and 
took  the  thin  hand* 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  253 

"  It  does  n't  look  much  like  fighting  now,"  she  said, 
"  or  climbing  Alps." 

"  No."  He  smiled  faintly.  "  I  am  glad  we  had  all  that, 
and  our  grand  winter  in  Russia,  and  all  the  delights. 
But  you  have  all  been  very  good  to  me  to-day  ;  and  Rob 
here  thinks  I  behaved  quite  like  a  baby." 

' '  Because  he  had  been  such  a  hero  !  See  what  it  is  to 
exalt  one's  opinion." 

"  I  think  you  have  managed  to  tone  down  my  boisterous 
boy  a  good  deal,"  said  Mrs.  Alston.  "  I  never  fancied 
nursing  his  forte  before." 

"Rob  and  I  have  been  good  comrades."  And  the 
look  told  the  rest. 

"  Oh,  you  have  drifted  in  here,"  said  Mr.  Conover,  enter- 
ing the  room  and  casting  a  quick  glance  at  Kathie 
"  Well,  Bruce,  my  lad  !  " 

"  I  expect  to  be  the  centre  of  attraction  ;  I  shall  feel 
quite  hurt  if  any  one  slights  me.  Will  you  all  sit  down  ?  " 

"  We  must  not  disturb  you.  It  has  been  an  exciting 
day,  and  rather  hard  on  your  little  strength." 

"  I  think,"  began  Rob,  "  that  I  might  be  spared.  I 
want  a  good  walk  before  dinner.  Will  you  go,  Uncle? 
and  we  might  hunt  up  Fred." 

' '  We  shall  not  have  far  to  hunt ;  both  boys  are  making 
their  home  with  the  Merediths.  I  am  quite  ready  for  the 
walk.  We  might  go  down  there  to  dinner,  unless  you  are 
wanted." 

"  I  '11  be  generous  and  give  Rob  a  holiday,"  declared 
the  invalid. 

There  was  so  much  to  say  between  the  two  who  went. 
Rob  had  recovered  his  strength  and  elasticity,  much  of  his 
bright  coloring,  although  thinner  than  of  yore.  What  if, 
after  all,  that  deep  anguish  was  evanescent  and  bore  no 
real  fruit. 

But  the  effort  Rob  had  been  compelled  to  make  in  Bruce's 
behalf  had  brought  him  out  of  his  gloomy  despair.  He 


254  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

was  able  to  see  something  beside  all  the  long  stretch  of 
years,  how  they  were  to  be  lived ;  and  the  use  he  was  to 
make  of  his  one  talent  or  many.  He  was  beginning  to 
learn  that  the  austere  Master  exacted  something  beside  not 
losing.  There  was  a  growth  and  work,  and  if  he  had  plunged 
himself  into  the  slough  of  despond  he  was  not  to  lie  there, 
not  to  disdain  the  help  of  friendly  hands,  not  to  feel  that 
the  great  aims  had  dropped  out  because  he  had  lost  for 
a  while  the  right  clew.  He  could  live  out  of,  but  he  could 
not  go  back  and  begin  again.  The  flawed  and  spoiled  must 
be  taken  out  patiently. 

He  had  learned  a  little  of  it,  dimly,  wonderingly.  The 
truth  had  always  been  there,  but  in  the  heedlessness  of 
youth  he  had  leaped  quite  over  it,  and  now  he  must  retrace 
these  steps  that  he  hated,  that  shamed  him,  that  had  cut 
him  off  from  so  many  things  he  was  beginning  to  desire. 

They  had  a  delightful  time  at  dinner.  Charlie  and  Fred 
gave  him  the  warmest  of  welcomes,  and  unfolded  so  many 
plans.  They  sympathized  with  Bruce  as  well,  and  hoped 
all  things  in  the  future.  Only  it  seemed  to  Rob  they  were 
very  young,  and  he  felt  old  beside  them. 

"  Uncle  Robert,"  he  said,  as  they  were  walking  home, 
"  I  have  about  made  up  my  mind  to  one  of  two  things,  if 
you  are  willing.  I  should  like  to  go  in  the  Merediths'  bus- 
iness house  or  some  other  here  in  the  city." 

"  Rob,  do  you  remember  what  you  said  about  chem- 
istry?" 

"  O  Uncle ! "  Rob's  heart  gave  a  great  leap  of  joy, 
then  he  sternly  brought  it  under  control.  "You  are  so 
good  to  think  of  that.  You  have  all  been  so  good  to  me, 
but  I  have  incurred  some  expenses  that  I  ought  not  to 
lay  off  on  any  one's  shoulders.  If  I  could  n't  think  when  I 
was  crazy  enough  to  —  to  marry,  I  must  think  now.  I 
must  earn  sufficient  to  take  care  of  the  two  whose  com- 
fort, to  say  the  least,  I  became  responsible  for.  I  shall 
make  that  myself,  beside  my  own  living.  Why,  I  need  not 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  255 

work  as  severely  as  I  have.  Then  if  I  have  any  time,  or 
energy,  or  money  left  over,  I  shall  feel  free  to  spend 
that  on  myself.  I  was  talking  a  little  to  Mr.  Meredith  to- 
night ;  he  thinks  it  can  be  brought  about." 

"  Robert,"  his  uncle  said  gravel}',  tenderly,  "I  honor 
your  resolve.  It  is  simple  right  and  justice.  It  will  do 
more  toward  strengthening  your  character  than  any  assist- 
ance from  friends.  I  think  you  can  be  trusted,  and  I 
shall  be  glad  to  have  you  here." 

"  And  I  must  learn  to  be  my  mother's  son.  After  all, 
she  may  have  me  more  years  than  she  ever  dreamed." 
And  he  choked  down  the  sigh  for  the  chain  he  must  wear. 
"  And  I  want  to  say,"  a  little  tremulously,  "  that  for  the 
child's  sake,  for  the  family's  sake,  your  proposal  was  best. 
In  any  event  I  owed  it  to  you  to  accept  it.  It  is  my  bus- 
iness to  render  my  life  the  better  for  it." 

He  felt  the  approving  pressure  on  his  arm. 

They  found  Bruce  comparatively  comfortable.  He  did 
not  need  a  watcher,  so  Rob  brought  in  the  reclining  chair 
for  his  bed,  to  be  at  hand  at  a  word.  General  Macken- 
zie seemed  quite  worn  out,  and  the  promise  of  a  night's 
sleep  was  extremely  refreshing. 

' '  I  don't  know  what  we  should  have  done  without  your 
boy,"  he  said,  with  his  good-night  to  Mrs.  Alston,  "  and  I 
think  very  few  would  have  passed  through  such  a  terrible 
ordeal  as  well.  Poor  lad." 

The  mothers  eyes  filled  with  tears. 

The  house  grew  quiet  presently,  and  all  the  lights  were 
out  save  the  one  turned  low  in  the  parlor.  The  door  was 
left  open,  for  Bruce  liked  the  shadowy  suggestiveness  bet- 
ter. Rob  uttered  a  happy  good-night,  he  was  so  at  peace, 
and  in  a  few  moments  Bruce  heard  the  regular  breathing  of 
healthful  slumber.  He  could  not  sleep,  partly  for  pain, 
bravely  borne  while  the  others  were  looking,  partly  be- 
cause there  was  a  tumult  in  his  soul. 

He  had  come  into  her  life  again,  so  differently  from  any- 


256  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

thing  he  had  planned.  He  was  to  wait  until  they  were  mar 
ried  and  in  their  own  home,  and  she  was  hedged  about  with 
pretty  wifely  and  parish  duties,  the  bright,  generous,  out- 
flowing woman,  infusing  the  spirit  of  her  Master  in  ever- 
widening  circles,  taking  in  the  poor  in  heart,  the  weary 
and  worn,  and  feeding  them  with  some  living  bread 
of  holiness  and  redemption.  Like  a  pilgrim  journeying 
on  to  the  same  far  country  he  might  stop  and  break  bread, 
and  exchange  greetings  of  cheer.  He  would  have  over-lived 
the  pain  and  longing ;  the  comfort  she  could  have  given 
would  have  been  held  out  by  a  higher  hand.  He  should 
see  her  there  and  rejoice  with  her  in  her  work,  diviner  than 
any  he  could  have  brought  her. 

But  it  was  not  so  to  be.  He  had  met  her  to-day,  rather 
she  had  come  to  meet  him,  with  the  old  friendly  fondness 
he  once  fancied  meant  love.  The  same  sweet,  generous 
graciousness,  the  pure,  upward  look.  Yes,  he  had  been 
mistaken.  Even  if  he  had  won  that,  it  would  not  have 
brought  supreme  satisfaction ;  he  would  have  wanted  more, 
a  depth  and  richness,  a  woman's  love,  such  as  Aunt  Ruth 
was  giving  his  father  daily.  Could  girls  love  like  that,  or 
was  it  the  larger  awaiting  of  full  womanhood  ? 

And  now  he  must  see  her  daily  and  keep  himself  from 
any  coveting,  from  any  envying.  He  turned  to  God  for 
strength ;  there  had  been  man)"  times  in  his  young  life  when 
he  would  have  fainted  but  for  this  help. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

IT  was  a  lovely,  glowing  autumn,  full  of  long,  dreamy 
{lays,  with  Indian  summer  skies  ;  just  the  time  for  delicious 
country  rambles,  and  yet  the  city  seemed  to  hold  the  most 
interest  for  Kathie.  Mr.  Meredith  had  offered  Rob  a  very 
fair  position,  and  he  had  gone  to  work  with  all  his  olden 
energy.  There  was  one  heavenly  precept  that  would  never 
have  to  be  instilled  into  the  young  man.  Whatever  his 
hand  found  to  do  he  did  with  all  his  might.  Ned  Mere- 
dith often  smiled,  recalling  the  Rob  of  old  days  at  his 
play. 

He  was  to  board  through  the  winter  with  Aunt  Ruth. 
Bruce  wanted  him  ;  that  was  sufficient. 

' '  But  I  have  made  an  arrangement  to  spend  every  other 
Sunday  with  you,"  Rob 'said  to  his  mother.  "  Mr.  Mere- 
dith offered  to  give  me  off  the  Monday  morning,  but  I 
shall  make  it  up.  Only  I  shall  have  the  house  astir  catch- 
ing the  early  train.  Shall  I  prove  a  nuisance?" 

She  kissed  him  to  hide  her  tears,  touched  by  the  devo- 
tion. He  had  begun  in  the  path  of  duty.  If  he  did  not 
understand,  if  he  could  not  see  the  certain  evidence,  still 
he  would  not  abate,  but  persevere  to  the  end. 

And  while  she  was  holding  him  to  her  heart  another 
thought  entered  it.  The  little  child  alone  was  an  innocent 
outcast  from  their  love  and  sympathy.  They  had  forgiven 
him  ;  why  should  they  be  so  cruelly  hard  to  her  ? 

"  Rob,"  she  said,  w.ith  a  soft  tremble  in  her  voice, 
"your  uncle  once  spoke  of  the  —  the  baby.  I  am  not 
sure  but  we  ought  to  have  it.  I  was  so  surprised  and 
hurt  then,  that  my  heart  was  steeled  against  it." 

"  Oh,  no  !  "  he  cried,  with  sudden  shame  and  repugnance. 

"  Do  not  bring  it  here  !  " 
17 


258  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  Your  child,  Robert ! "  She  thought  of  the  warm  wel- 
come her  own  little  ones  had  received  on  every  hand. 

A  deep  flush  suffused  his  face. 

"It  seems  so  strange,"  half  impatiently.  "I  have 
never  known  much  about  it.  I  never  had  Kathie's  fond- 
ness for  babies." 

"  I  think  it  had  better  come,"  in  a  tone  of  grave  reproof. 

"  As  you  like,"  he  answered  quietly. 

She  discussed  the  matter  with  her  brother,  and  they 
decided  to  go  out  to  Chicago.  Perhaps,  too,  she  had  a 
half-confessed  curiosity  to  see  the  woman  who  had  made 
such  havoc  of  her  boy's  life, 

Kathie  was  left  with  Aunt  Ruth.  She  was  such  a  bright, 
useful,  and  entertaining  body.  Her  very  face,  full  of 
exquisite  hope  and  tenderness,  said  so  much  without  a 
word.  Perhaps  it  was  because  she  was  so  free  from  the 
platitudes  often  used  in  a  sick-room,  well  meaning,  but 
frequently  extremely  trying  to  sensitive  nerves.  She 
breathed  patience  and  fortitude  in  her  very  aspect,  she 
brought  hope  in  her  quick  smile.  Then  she  had  so  many 
expedients  ;  the  comfort  and  solace  of  to-day  was  a  little 
changed  to-morrow  by  some  added  grace. 

The  "  boys  "  came  in  to  see  Bruce  when  he  could  enjo}* 
company.  Charlie  had  some  of  Kathie's  ways,  Bruce  was 
forced  to  admit,  almost  unwillingly.  He  brought  in  a 
handful  of  flowers,  not  a  regular-made  bouquet ;  or  a  paper 
that  had  a  fine  article  Kathie  must  read  aloud ;  another 
day  it  would  be  some  deliciously  ripened  fruit,  or  a  set  of 
fine  photographs,  borrowed  from  a  friend.  Bruce  schooled 
himself  to  watch  them  together,  to  think  of  the  time  when 
their  lives  would  be  irrevocably  blended. 

After  two  weeks  of  suffering  patiently  borne,  Dr. 
Markham  found  that,  in  spite  of  all  his  efforts,  an  abscess 
was  forming.  Dr.  Gamier  did  not  take  the  matter  so 
seriously  ;  the  patient  had  }'outh,  a  good  constitution,  and 
excellent  habits  for  the  groundwork  of  hope.  And  when 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  259 

he  recovered  from  the  fatigues  of  the  journey  he  really 
made  some  improvement.  If  he  could  get  through  without 
any  permanent  injury ;  to  save  him  from  that  would  be 
their  work. 

Dick,  and  Charlie,  and  Fred  were  glad  to  have  Rob  back 
in  their  midst.  Ada  Gamier  welcomed  him,  too,  but  he 
was  a  little  shy  of  her  at  first. 

"It  is  as  good  as  a  school,"  declared  Dick,  "  to  meet 
the  people  at  her  house  and  hear  them  talk." 

And  but  for  the  child  Robert  might  have  almost  forgot- 
ten the  miserable  episode  of  the  past. 

Mrs.  Alston  went  on  her  journey  with  a  half-sense  of 
unwillingness,  although  she  considered  it  her  dut}r.  The 
many  changes  and  the  brilliant  autumn  scenery  interested 
her  and  diverted  her  mind  in  some  degree  from  the  sad 
aspect  of  affairs.  They  would  see  the  child  first.  She 
was  not  quite  certain  she  could  take  this  alien  to  her  heart, 
even  if  she  did  pity  its  lonely  condition. 

They  found  Mrs.  Fleming  bright  and  tidy,  and  her  little 
charge  in  riotous  health.  She  stared  at  the  new-comers 
with  her  large,  laughing  brown  eyes,  and  then  half  shyly 
hid  her  face  in  her  foster-mother's  dress. 

"  This  is  Mr.  Alston's  mother,"  Mr.  Conover  an- 
nounced. 

"Bertha,  Bertha,  you  must  not  be  naughty,"  said  the 
gentle  voice.  "  She  is  not  usually  afraid,"  in  apology. 

"And  she  has  quite  forgotten  me,"  declared  Uncle 
Robert.  "  We  became  very  good  friends  in  the  summer. 
Bertha." 

The  child  peeped  out  in  such  a  pretty,  piquant  manner, 
showing  a  face  strange \y  h'ke,  yet  mysteriously  unlike  her 
father.  There  was  a  great  struggle  in  Mrs.  Alston's  soul, 
and  perhaps  it  was  more  from  duty  than  love  that  she 
stooped  and  held  out  her  hands. 

"  Little  Bertha,"  she  said  softly,  "  will  you  not  come  to 
me?" 


260  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

The  child  studied  her  a  moment  with  grave  intent, 
then,  breaking  into  a  merry  peal  of  laughter,  ran  to  Uncle 
Robert  to  be  caught  and  lifted  in  his  arms.  Her  satisfac- 
tion was  but  momentary,  however ;  the  next  instant  she 
struggled  to  get  away. 

"  I  want  my  mamma  !  "  reaching  out  her  dimpled  hands  ; 
"  I  want  my  own,  own  mamma  !  " 

Something  in  the  bright,  bird-like  tone  touched  Mrs. 
Alston's  heart,  brought  back  the  by-gone  years. 

"  She  is  a  little  strange,"  said  Mrs.  Fleming,  coloring. 
"  But  she  is  very  good,  so  merry  and  cheerful,  and  I  think 
quite  forward  for  her  age.  She  can  say  nearly  everything, 
and  has  so  man}'  cunning  ways.  As  for  her  health,  that  is 
perfect.  Don't  you  think  she  resembles  her  father?" 

"  Yes.     You  have  seen  her  mother? " 

"  She  came  a  few  times.  She  owned  that  she  did  not 
care  about  children.  I  can't  understand  why  the  Lord 
sends  them  to  such  people,  when  there  is  many  a  hunger- 
ing soul  that  would  welcome  a  baby.  But  young  people 
rush  into  marriage  without  thinking  of  the  sacred  respon- 
sibility." And  Mrs.  Fleming  checked  herself  suddenly, 
coloring.  "  Is  the  poor  thing  any  better?  "  she  asked. 

' '  She  can  never  be  restored  in  mind ;  otherwise  she  is 
well,  "  Mr.  Conover  made  answer. 

There  was  a  brief  pause,  and  then  Mrs.  Alston  said  in 
a  low,  gentle  tone  :  — 

"  We  have  decided,  my  brother  and  I,  that  the  proper 
place  for  the  child  is  with  us,  since  its  mother  will  never 
be  competent  to  care  for  it.  But  she  is  so  fond  of  you,  I 
hardl}*  know  how  we  will  be  able  to  get  her  home.  Robert, 
it  will  tax  your  ingenuity."  And  she  smiled. 

"  I  should  like  to  keep  her  always."  The  tears  came  in 
Mrs.  Fleming's  eyes.  "  If  the  parents  had  been  very 
poor,  I  should  have  proposed  it,  but  I  could  only  bring  her 
up  plainly." 

Mrs.  Alston  felt  self-condemned.     Not  that  she  should 


WHOM    KATIIIE    MARRIED.  261 

ever  grudge  the  child  anything  money  could  procure,  she 
was  not  selfish  in  that  respect,  she  was  even  sympathetic, 
but  she  could  not  instantly  open  her  heart  to  love.  In  her 
soul  she  had  blamed  her  son  for  this  hardness,  and  she 
must  struggle  to  overcome  it.  Simple  duty  was  not  all 
that  was  required ;  there  was  a  higher  point.  And  how 
teach  Robert  to  see  it  if  she  evaded  it  herself? 

"  It  is  right  and  best  that  the  child  should  be  brought 
up  among  her  relatives,"  she  answered  kindly.  "  I  think 
we  shall  be  able  to  manage.  When  will  you  be  likely  to 
return  ?  "  glancing  at  Mr.  Conover. 

"  Oh,  you  will  want  to  see  the  city  before  you  leave  it ! 
There  is  no  hurry.  We  can  come  in  and  visit  the  little 
one  again." 

He  managed  to  coax  a  kiss  out  of  her  before  he  went 
away. 

Then  they  started  on  their  sad  and  distasteful  errand. 
It  was  one  of  the  poor  creature's  quiet  days.  She  sat  by 
a  sunny  window  turning  the  leaves  of  a  child's  picture- 
book  in  gaudy  colors.  There  was  a  lovely  flush  on  her 
cheek,  yet  hardly  the  tint  of  health,  and  her  vacant  face 
had  a  curious,  unearthly  beauty. 

Mrs.  Alston  looked  and  turned  away  with  a  sigh. 

"  Poor  thing !  "  said  the  nurse.  "  She  gives  very  little 
trouble.  My  opinion  is  that  she  's  not  so  long  for  this 
world  as  they  think,  though  some  of  them  do  live  beyond 
everything ;  but  that 's  more  likely  when  they  go  insane 
naturally,  without  any  accident,  I  mean .  There  's  some- 
thing wrong  with  her  spine,  the  doctors  say.  Mercy 
grant  that  she  may  not  lie  helpless  years  and  years  !  " 

They  both  echoed  the  prayer.  Mrs.  Alston  turned 
away  and  her  brother  followed. 

"  I  think,"  she  began,  after  they  were  in  the  carriage 
and  driving  slowly  along,  ' '  that  in  some  respects  we  can 
excuse  Rob.  He  has  always  been  hasty  and  impulsive.  I 
can  imagine  the  fascination  this  girl's  beauty  exercised 


262  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

over  him,  and  no  doubt  she  did  lay  a  trap  for  him,  if  she 
fancied  him  the  heir  to  a  fortune.  Evidently  there  was 
some  object  in  marrying  him  ;  it  was  not  merely  the  love 
of  flirtation.  Still,  it  seems  to  me  she  might  have  done 
better,  taken  some  one  whose  fortune  was  secure." 

"  She  had  no  doubt  seen  a  good  deal  of  the  world,  and 
on  her  part,  I  fancy,  there  was  no  very  deep  sentiment. 
But  in  the  first  place  Robert  should  have  kept  away  from 
such  people.  It  serves  to  lower  any  young  man's  respect 
and  regard  for  womanhood.  He  had  been  taught  better, 
nay,  he  knew  better.  Then,  as  Mrs.  Fleming  said,  there  is 
too  much  careless  taking  on  of  the  most  solemn  vows  of 
life.  Marriage  seems  so  easy,  so  delightful,  that  our 
3'oung  people  take  it  up  with  about  as  much  deliberation 
as  going  to  an  opera.  They  do  not  ask  if  it  is  the  thing 
they  want  for  thirty  or  fifty  years,  that  they  are  not  to 
thrust  lightly  aside,  but  endure  with  patience,  realizing 
that  it  is  an  obligation  of  their  own  choosing,  or  their  own 
haste  and  unwisdom.  Then  the  ease  with  which  these  ties 
are  sundered  seems  to  offer  a  premium  on  thoughtlessness, 
and  does  weaken  the  sense  of  responsibility." 

"  It  is  a  bitter  lesson.  I  fancy  Robert  will  feel  it  more 
keenly  as  time  goes  on.  But  you  thought  he  accepted  it 
bravely,"  as  if  she  could  not  bear  to  have  him  so 
severely  blamed. 

"  Yes,  I  think  he  displayed  a  great  deal  of  courage  and 
true  manliness  in  his  course,  even  to  keeping  the  secret. 
He  might  have  come  to  us  then  with  his  burden,  and  I 
shall  always  respect  him  that  he  bore  it  in  silence  as  long 
as  it  was  possible.  The  true  test  now  is  his  living  out  of 
this,  the  kind  of  man  he  makes  under  this  discipline.  He 
has  always  been  thoughtless  as  to  consequences  ;  the  pres- 
ent want  has  dominated  him.  He  will  have  tune  now  to 
ponder  over  the  impatience  of  youth." 

"But,  Robert,  if  she  —  " 

"  Hush,  Dora,  we  must  not  allow  ourselves  to  think  of 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  263 

that,"  he  answered  solemnly.  "  With  God  alone  belong 
the  issues  of  life  and  death.  It  is  the  now  that  we  are  in, 
the  present,  and  our  work  is  to  do  the  duty  of  the 
present." 

She  did  not  make  any  immediate  answer ;  but  after  a 
considerable  silence,  said  in  a  low,  awed  tone,  "  There 
is  one  thing  that  I  shall  feel  thankful  for  always,  that  she 
did  not  openly  disgrace  her  child.  A  misfortune  can  be 
borne  with  dignity,  but  a  scandal  is  never  entirely  over- 
lived." 

Robert  Alston  had  saved  his  mother  this  bitter  sorrow. 

They  spent  several  pleasant  days  in  going  about  the 
city  that  Mrs.  Alston  had  not  seen  in  years.  Uncle 
Robert  managed  to  make  quite  friends  with  Bertha,  but 
at  the  last  they  took  the  little  thing  away  in  the  evening, 
asleep,  to  spare  the  sad  scene  of  a  violent  parting.  Mrs. 
Fleming  was  deeply  moved  at  separation  from  the  little 
one  who  had  become  so  like  her  very  own. 

Their  first  day  and  evening  were  exceedingly  trying. 
Bertha  could  be  amused  for  a  brief  while  ;  then  her  sense 
of  loss  and  strangeness  would  overwhelm  her.  Uncle 
Robert  proved  an  admirable  nurse,  and  before  the  jour- 
ney's end  Mrs.  Alston's  heart  had  gone  out  to  the  little 
one,  who  displayed  so  many  reminders  of  her  father.  She 
was  large  of  her  age  and  brimming  with  vitality,  piquant 
rather  than  beautiful,  and  so  little  like  her  mother  that  it 
was  a  positive  relief. 

They  were  watching  for  the  travellers  at  Aunt  Ruth's. 
Kathie  saw  the  coach  stop  and  ran  down. 

"  Oh !  "  she  cried  with  eager  delight,  "  is  it  reaUy  Rob's 
baby?  How  pretty!  O  mamma,  how  wonderfully  like 
Rob !  Why,  she  hardly  looks  like  a  girl." 

Bertha  was  growing  accustomed  to  strange  faces. 
Something  in  Kathle's  glad  voice  attracted  her,  and  she 
stretched  out  her  hands  at  once. 

*'  0  you  sweet  little  darling  1 " 


264  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  Republics  are  ungrateful,"  declared  Uncle  Robert, 
with  an  air  of  injured  dignity. 

Kathie  took  her  up  to  Aunt  Ruth's  room,  and  stood  her 
on  the  floor  while  she  was  unfastening  her  cap  and  cloak. 
Bertha  glanced  around  surprised,  then  startled,  and 
stretched  out  her  small  hands  with  unforgotten  longing. 

"  I  want  my  own  mamma !  "  in  a  pitiful,  quivering  tone 
that  went  to  each  heart. 

"  O  baby,  we  will  all  try  to  be  your  mamma."  And  she 
kissed  her  with  tender  fervor. 

Bertha  leaned  her  head  on  Kathie's  shoulder  and  gave  a 
few  sobs.  They  were  fast  friends  then. 

It  made  a  great  diversion  in  the  house,  and  baby  soon 
settled  to  two  prime  favorites,  Kathie  and  Uncle  Robert. 
In  a  few  days  she  recovered  her  wonted  equilibrium,  and 
proved  herself  a  bright  little  mischief.  Rob  studied  her 
with  a  curious  feeling  of  awe,  and  secretly  confessed  to 
Kathie  that  he  could  not  make  her  seem  his,  but  he  was 
deeply  grateful  to  his  mother  for  the  love  she  gave  her. 
In  fact,  the  advent  of  the  baby  made  Rob  more  of  a  hero 
than  ever  with  the  boys.  He  had  a  pathetic  history,  an 
unusual  misfortune,  and  even  at  this  early  stage  he  felt  his 
uncle's  wisdom  had  proved  invaluable. 

Among  the  baby's  many  gifts  and  graces  Kathie  discov- 
ered one  quite  charming.  Her  laugh  was  like  the  ripple 
of  softly  shaken  bells,  but  she  had  a  quick  ear  and  unus- 
ual voice,  and  could  sing  the  melody  of  her  little  cradle 
songs  in  a  remarkable  manner. 

Bruce,  too,  was  much  interested  in  the  little  creature. 

"  I  find  I  have  a  powerful  rival,"  he  said  to  Kathie  one 
day,  quite  in  the  old  tone. 

A  quick  color  came  to  her  cheek.  Bruce  had  accepted 
the  state  of  affairs  quietly.  He  had  even  congratulated 
Charlie  in  one  of  their  pleasant  talks,  but  to  Kathie  he 
made  no  reference  to  the  tie  between  them. 

"  Mamma  thinks  she  must  take  her  home  ;  she  is  getting 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  265 

rather  spoiled,  but  to  me  she  grows  lovelier  every  day.  I 
shall  hate  to  give  her  up.'* 

"  Give  her  up?" 

"  Yes.  Mamma  and  Uncle  Robert  will  return  the  last 
of  this  week." 

"  And  you — "  His  heart  seemed  to  throb  up  in  his 
throat,  and  he  felt  the  flush  in  his  face,  but  he  could  not 
quite  ask  the  question. 

"  Don't  you  care  to  have  me  stay?"  she  inquired,  with 
girlish  frankness  and  honesty. 

"  Oh,  you  must  know,  only  I  may  be  keeping  you 
from  some  greater  pleasure  !  " 

"  No,  it  could  not  be  a  greater  pleasure  if  it  was  a  com- 
fort to  you." 

"  It  is."  Then  he  tried  to  think  that  her  staying  would 
give  her  more  of  Charlie's  society. 

"  Dr.  Markham  thought  I  had  better,  on  Aunt  Ruth's 
account.  You  see  he  does  not  consider  me  of  paramount 
importance  to  you,"  laughing  brightly.  "  But  I  shall  hate 
to  give  up  Bertie." 

And  Bertie  proved  almost  inconsolable  again,  going 
back  to  the  longing  for  her  "  own  mamma." 

"•  The  little  thing  has  a  most  affectionate  memory,"  said 
Uncle  Robert,  as  he  comforted  her. 

There  was  quite  a  stir  at  Brookside  at  the  advent  of 
Robert  Alston's  baby,  and  much  sympathy  with  the  unfor- 
tunate marriage. 

"  My  dear  Mrs.  Alston,"  Mrs.  Adams  said  one  morning, 
during  a  call,  "  I  think  one  has  need  to  feel  more  anx- 
iously on  the  subject  of  sons'  marriages  than  of  daughters'. 
The  girls  can  be  counselled  and  restrained,  and  their  own 
desire  to  do  well  helps  a  little.  I  used  to  feel  so  anxious 
about  Maurice,  and  if  ever  I  saw  a  designing  girl  la}ring 
out  her  charms  to  entrap  him  I  was  in  a  fever.  I  can 
never  be  thankful  enough  that  he  found  the  flower  of  all  in 
our  own  little  place,  for  Emma  does  make  the  loveliest  of 


266  WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED. 

wives.  And,  though  I  have  no  children  of  my  very  own,  I 
can  understand  from  Maurice  and  Georgie  how  anxious 
one  may  feel." 

Mrs.  Collamore,  too,  proffered  a  delicate  sympathy.  To 
Mrs.  Alston,  Fay's  presence  brought  a  great  pang  of  self- 
condemnation.  She  had  coveted  her.  She  had  brought 
her  into  intimate  contact  with  her  son,  and  showed  her  in 
many  tender  ways  that  she  would  be  welcome  to  the 
mother's  heart,  as  well  as  the  son's.  What  if  she  had 
learned  to  care,  allowed  herself  to  dream?  True,  she  could 
remember  no  overt  act  or  attention  on  Robert's  part. 
They  had  all  been  young  people,  having  a  good  time 
together,  and  oh,  how  devoutly  grateful  she  felt  that  Rob's 
sense  of  honor  and  manliness  had  restrained  him  from 
foolish  freedoms  he  would  be  ashamed  to  remember,  from 
an}'  dangerous  intimacy  that  would  call  a  blush  to  this  fair 
young  cheek.  Yet,  if  it  could  have  been !  Ah,  did  other 
mothers  often  covet  sweet,  lovely  girls  and  find  the  wrong 
ones  in  their  places  ? 

' '  How  very  much  the  baby  is  like  its  father  ?  "  Fay  said 
at  length.  She  had  been  studying  it ;  Miss  Bertie,  by 
some  rare  condescension,  coming  to  sit  on  her  knee.  She 
did  not  make  friends  with  everybody,  or  in  a  hast}'  man- 
ner, with  some  notable  exceptions,  and  evinced  quite  a  lit- 
tle discrimination. 

"  Yes,"  Mrs.  Alston  answered,  with  a  smile  ;  "  and  I 
find  a  few  traits  of  disposition,  though  she  has  Kathie's 
sunny  nature." 

•'I  suppose  she  will  almost  be  a  second  Kathie  to  Mr. 
Conover." 

Then  they  talked  a  little  about  Louise  and  her  pretty 
home,  and  Eugene's  prospects  now  that  his  father  had 
taken  him  into  business. 

"You  must  come  over  often,"  Mrs.  Alston  said,  hold- 
ing Fay's  hand  at  parting.  She  could  make  no  difference 
now,  retrace  no  steps,  only  guard  the  future.  "  I  shall  miss 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  267 

Kathie  very  much,  but  I  suppose  I  must  learn  to  do  with- 
out her  some  time." 

"  0  Mrs.  Alston,  there  is  no  such  happy  time  as  when 
our  children  are  grown  into  companionship  and  we  have 
them  around  us  !  "  exclaimed  Mrs.  Collamore.  "  Only," 
with  a  sigh,  "  it  is  so  brief." 

Fay  Collamore  walked  home  beside  her  mother,  answer- 
ing trifling  observations.  It  was  a  late  October  day,  and 
the  strips  of  wood  over  beyond  the  lake  were  all  aflame 
with  autumn  splendors  :  scarlet,  brown,  gold,  and  the  mas- 
sive green  of  the  firs  and  spruce.  There  a  long  arm  of 
Virginia  creeper  flung  out  a  defiant  banner  that  the  sunset 
only  would  dare  match.  Barberries  were  hung  with  coral 
bells ;  sumachs  were  in  the  glory  of  brown  and  crimson, 
and  the  deep  wine  tints ;  while  golden-rod  was  turning 
pale  and  grayish  bronze.  There  were  purple  asters  and 
late  cardinal  flowers  with  sentinel  spikes,  courageous,  dar- 
ing. How  beautiful  it  all  was  !  To-morrow  she  must  get 
Mrs.  Langdon  and  go  for  a  walk.  Presently  this  splendor 
would  fade,  the  trees  would  be  bare  and  brown,  the  little 
shrubs  shrivelled  up,  the  grass  dry,  and  the  wind  blowing 
dismally.  Winter  always  came,  everywhere,  in  every 
life,  an  echo  seemed  to  add  to  her  thought. 

It  was  rather  chilly  in  doors,  and  a  cheerful  fire  was 
burning  in  the  grate. 

"  How  blue  and  cold  you  look,  Fay !  "  her  mother  said. 
"  Sit  down  here  and  get  good  and  warm,  while  I  look  after 
the  dinner." 

She  dropped  into  a  low  rocker  and  shivered  with  some- 
tiling  more  vital  than  cold.  For  a  long  while  she  did  not 
think  at  all ;  there  was'only  a  formless,  slow-moving  con- 
sciousness, a  vague  pain  that  she  would  not  let  come  to  light. 
Some  "  might  have  been"  had  gone  out  of  the  world  for 
her,  something  she  must  grope  after  or  long  for,  a  part  of 
herself  set  aside  to  be  passed  by  quickly  and  quietly  as  one 
passes  a  little  child  one  must  not  take  up.  lest  the  small 


268  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

hands  might  be  too  soon  outstretched.  The}'  had  been  so 
happy,  — she  had  been  so  happy  since  their  first  coming  to 
Brookside,  two  summers  ago.  The  neighbors  proved  so 
generous  with  their  friendly  living,  Mr.  Conover  among 
the  very  first.  And  Robert  Alston,  with  all  his  new  col- 
lege honors  and  his  bright,  fascinating  ways,  his  vigor,  and 
joy,  and  gayety ;  Kathie's  return,  and  the  lovely  ball, 
and  all  the  rich  friendship  in  which  the  year  had  sped 
away,  bringing  him  again,  curiously  changed,  she  had 
noted,  but  with  a  depth,  and  tone,  and  gentleness,  a  touch 
of  some  subtle  experience. 

This  was  what  it  had  been.  An  unfortunate  but  per- 
haps not  altogether  an  unhappy  marriage.  She  had  made 
a  terrible  mistake.  She  had  come  so  near  a  thing  not  in- 
tended for  her  that  its  glory,  all  wrongly  translated,  had 
illumined  her  for  a  brief  space,  lulled  her  into  a  sweet, 
happy  content.  She  must  gather  it  up  and  put  it  quite 
out  of  her  life,  this  half -joy  she  had  watched  so  tenderly. 
It  was  not  meant  for  her  then,  it  never  had  been,  never 
would  be.  She  must  not  even  recall  any  day  that  had 
been  the  happier  for  the  something  akin  to  hope,  the  glad- 
ness to  meet  him,  the  remembrance  of  a  graceful  little 
turn  or  a  flower,  or  a  walk  when  he  and  she  fell  a  little 
behind  the  others. 

She  was  thankful  as  only  a  pure,  right-minded  woman 
can  be  that  there  were  no  stings  in  memory  placed  there  by 
his  thoughtless  enjoyment.  No  word,  no  look  but  of 
friendliness,  yet  she  knew  if  such  a  thing  could  have  been, 
she  of  all  the  girls  would  have  had  it  for  her  very  own. 
The  mother's  preference  and  her  own  leaning  had  made  a 
sad  mistake.  If  she  could  go  away  somewhere,  if  he  were 
to  be  alwa}rs  absent ;  but  they  must  meet  all  along  the 
years  to  come.  The  sorrow  had  given  the  mother  her  son 
again,  and  made  between  them  a  wide  gulf,  over  which 
she  must  walk  now  and  then,  sure  footed,  clear  eyed,  and 
unflinchingly.  She  could  not  stay  away  without  giving 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  269 

pain  to  the  mother,  without  betraying  her  own  mistake  ;  it 
must  all  go  on  just  as  before,  that  was  the  hard  side  of 
it.  Eugene,  in  his  hurt,  had  wanted  to-  linger  about,  to 
watch,  to  gather  some  little  gleam  of  hope,  but  with  her  it 
was  quite  different,  from  nature  as  well  as  necessity.  How 
strange  they  four  should  have  come  so  near,  just  to  miss 
and  wound !  She  could  not  understand  the  tangle. 
Eugene  had  given  up  to  a  stony  despair  when  his  loss  be- 
came certainty,  and  yet  he  was  growing  out  of  it,  over  it, 
coming  to  a  man's  fortitude  and  sense.  Some  other  sweet 
heart  would  cure  his  wound  in  days  to  come  ;  and  for  her  ? 

There  was  a  cure,  but  not  that  way.  She  should  never 
want  that,  she  said  with  an  indignant  protest.  She  must 
gather  up  her  self-command  and  go  straight  onward,  living 
out  of  it  in  the  daily  duties,  taking  earnest  hold  of  the 
"  next,"  the  work  set  her  to  do  by  a  greater  will  than  her 
own.  She  must  make  no  confused  lines  or  tangled  paths  ; 
she  must  not  linger  near  the  flame  for  her  garments  to 
even  have  the  faint  scent  of  the  burning,  and  yet  she  must 
stand  in  the  light. 

They  talked  of  the  matter  a  little  at  the  tea-table. 

"  It  is  a  shame  for  a  young  life  like  that  to  be  thrown 
away,"  declared  Mr.  Collamore.  "The  girl  may  live 
years  ;  insane  people  often  do.  And  he  seems  such  a  fine 
fellow  !  Fortunately,  he  has  the  best  and  noblest  man  in  the 
world  for  his  uncle.  They  are  all  delightful  people." 

"  She  may  live  years,"  Fay  Collamore  said  to  herself 
under  her  breath  ;  ' '  and  in  all  that  time  it  will  be  a  sin  for 
a  woman  to  think  of  him  in  any  way  but  that  of  the 
merest  friendship." 


CHAPTER 

KATHIE  missed  her  u  little  darling  "  greatly.  The  baby 
had  been  such  a  source  of  amusement,  and  the  night  after 
it  was  gone  she  felt  almost  homesick  for  them  all.  But 
she  had  to  rouse  herself  and  do  double  duty,  as  Aunt 
Ruth  had  a  slight  touch  of  fever. 

In  spite  of  the  doctor's  efforts  the  abscess  had  formed. 
There  had  been  days  and  nights  of  constant  and  excruciat- 
ing pain,  relieved  occasionally  by  morphine  when  the 
sleeplessness  went  beyond  bounds.  Bruce  bore  it  bravely 
and  with  very  little  complaint.  The  silent  heroism  touched 
Kathie  almost  to  tears,  and  was  not  without  its  effect  upon 
Rob.  Sometimes  he  would  start  in  the  night,  hearing  a 
soft  sound,  half  groan,  half  sigh,  and  rising,  use  his  best 
efforts  to  alleviate  it.  Or  he  would  read  half  the  night, 
until  Bruce  bade  him  close  the  book. 

"  You  are  such  a  dear,  generous  fellow,  Rob ;  but  you 
must  not  forget  the  work  of  to-morrow." 

"Why,  you  see  I  thrive  on  it,"  Rob  would  exclaim 
laughingly.  "I  have  actually  grown  fat  under  the  regi- 
men." 

And  so  he  had.  Regular  living  and  duties  not  very 
onerous,  social  life  and  enjoj'ment,  and  the  horrible 
burden  he  had  borne  so  long  rolled  away ;  safe  without 
any  further  questioning  of  duty  or  harassing  secrecy  ;  his 
old,  blithe  buoyancy  returned.  The  ringing  laugh  of  the 
boy,  toned  and  mellowed  a  little,  was  good  to  hear.  The 
gleam  of  merry  mischief  in  his  eye  was  so  exactly  like  the 
baby's,  that  Kathie  could  not  but  smile  at  it. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  271 

She,  too,  had  her  hands  full ;  but  they  would  only  let  her 
ao  day  duty.  And  even  then  Dr.  Markham  took  her  out 
for  an  hour's  airing,  or  she  ran  around  to  Jessie's,  and  had 
a  romp  with  Robin  and  Marjorie.  During  the  most  trying 
hours  General  Mackenzie  remained  with  his  son,  who 
bore  his  suffering  with  much  patience  and  fortitude,  and  a 
courage  that  fascinated  Kathie.  It  did  seem  at  times  as 
if  he  could  easily  let  himself  drop  out  of  life. 

Kathie  spoke  of  this  one  day  to  the  doctor.  "  Wellr 
why  should  he  want  to  die  ?  "  asked  the  doctor  a  little 
gruffly.  "  Seems  to  me  you  young  peopl^  nowadays 
make  a  great  mistake  about  this  dying  business.  God 
puts  you  into  the  world  to  live,  and  to  make  a  fight  for  it. 
It  is  the  survival  of  the  fittest,  after  all ;  but  your  work  is 
to  make  yourself  fit  to  survive,  fit,  even,  for  some  other 
ife,  some  other  world.  It  looks  cowardly  to  me  to  give 
up  at  the  first  hard  blow,  to  want  to  get  out  of  the  pain 
and  suffering  to  ease,  and  call  that  resignation.  What 
does  your  old  apostle  say?  'Having  done  all  things,  to 
stand.'  Not  to  cry  to  be  taken  out  of  the  world  when 
you  have  n't  done  more  than  half  the  things.  There  's 
too  much  weakness,  too  much  irresponsibility,  too  much 
fear  about  using  one's  will.  They  talk  a  lot  of  stuff  down 
there  at  Ada's  ;  but  there  is  strength  and  substance  in  it, 
after  all.  They  go  back  to  the  seekers  in  the  dark,  igno- 
rant ages,  when  the  little  knots  of  philosophy  lighted  a  few 
feet  from  the  centre,  when  the  strong,  earnest,  pure-minded 
men  interpreted  the  secrets  of  nature,  and  came  so  near 
to  the  other  grand  secret.  We  have  been  losing  them 
both,  throwing  out  the  ballast  and  calling  on  a  curious, 
soft,  sweet  mysticism  to  save  us,  and  when  the  mysticism 
has  failed,  cry  out  that  there  is  no  salvation.  It  is  a  grand 
old  fight,  and  it  is  sheer  indolence  to  be  swept  out  of  it. 
So  my  hero,"  with  a  little  twinkle  in  his  eye,  "  is  making 
the  fight  for  life,  quite  confident  God  wants  him  to  live 
until  he  sends  the  other  message.  He  has  his  father  and 


272  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

your  sweet  aunt,  and  a  work  to  do  when  he  gets  about  it 
again  ;  and  he  is  going  to  get  about  it,  though  it  may  not 
be  soldiering  in  the  future.  But,"  and  Dr.  Markham's 
voice  fell  to  a  reverent  tone,  "if  he  was  called,  I  think  we 
should  all  see  how  a  hero  could  die." 

The  tears  stood  in  Kathie's  eyes. 

"  You  know,  my  child,"  he  continued,  "  it  is  not  always 
the  great  deeds  that  make  a  hero.  The  fine,  pure,  whole- 
some, ever3*-day  living  has  something  in  it  as  well.  We 
can  squander  that,  but  extravagance  of  vital  or  spiritual 
forces  is  not  courage,  but  waste.  I  go  over  these  things  a 
good  deal  now,  and  wonder  why  we  are  so  willing  to  throw 
awa}'  the  best  of  our  lives  instead  of  living  them  out  in  a 
true  and  honest  fashion,  or  moaning  that  the  days  have 
no  pleasure  in  them.  It  is  our  rightful  business  to  find 
the  pleasure." 

Dr.  Markham  was  correct  about  his  patient.  There 
were  several  dajTs  when  the  balance  almost  trembled,  when 
there  were  fears  of  various  kinds,  but  the}'  proved  fears  only. 
The  abscess  had  not  touched  a  vital  part,  and  it  was 
nature's  way  of  casting  out  useless  matter.  By  Christmas 
the  young  hero  was  out  of  danger  and  on  the  high  road  to 
recovery.  He  would  be  weak  and  perhaps  a  little  lame  at 
first,  but  there  was  no  permanent  injury  to  the  joint. 

It  would  be  a  glad,  joyful  Christmas.  Where  to  keep 
the  feast  was  the  next  consideration 

Mrs.  Mackenzie  wanted  them  all  to  come  to  the  city, 
and  not  be  divided,  since  Cedarwood  must  be  shorn  of 
some  of  its  members.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Langdon  were  down 
for  a  month  or  two,  so  the  holiday  in  the  city  was  most 
promising. 

Rob  had  kept  his  word  to  his  mother  steadfastly.  The 
alternate  Sundays  had  been  hers  alone.  No  restless  roam- 
ing around  for  companionship,  no  outward  show,  at  least, 
of  the  daj's  being  long.  ThejT  were,  sometimes,  in  spite  of 
his  best  efforts.  He  missed  the  stir  and  interest  of  the 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  273 

every-day  life.  He  went  to  church  with  his  mother  and 
his  uncle,  he  pla}red  with  or  oftener  teased  the  baby,  who 
was  a  source  of  amusement.  Mrs.  Alston  had  come  to 
love  it  devotedly.  For  a  long  while  Bertha  had  been  rather 
shy  of  her  grandmother,  as  if  in  some  way  she  understood 
the  want  of  perfect  accord,  but  both  had  outgrown  that. 
Mr.  Conover  had  made  known  to  her  his  intention  of  ulti- 
mately adopting  the  child. 

"We  shall  need  something  when  Kathie  goes,"  he  said 
gravely.  "  Bertha  will  keep  us  from  growing  old  too  fast." 

Kathie  was  a  most  important  personage  in  the  Macken- 
zie household  during  this  time.  She  lifted  half  the  burden 
off  of  Aunt  Ruth's  shoulders  ;  she  infused  strength,  and 
brightness,  and  sunshine  eveiy  where.  Bruce  once  said 
there  were  no  cloudy  days  or  storms,  at  which  she  laughed 


"  Well,  there  maybe  in  China,"  he  answered.  "But 
when  we  get  around  to  China  it  has  cleared  away." 

He  was  so  sure  he  had  over-lived  the  passionate  want 
and  longing.  She  had  been  lent  for  a  little  while  to  bridge 
over  this  time  of  pain  and  suffering,  but  she  belonged  to 
another  ;  so  he  let  himself  rejoice  and  be  glad  with  a 
greater  joy,  a  possibility  of  satisfying  and  peace,  a  height 
which  lifts  one  above  the  desire  for  self  and  rejoices  truly 
in  the  happiness  of  another,  and  all  heights  bringing  one 
nearer  the  great  glory.  He  was  so  thankful,  too,  that  he 
should  get  entirely  well. 

"  I  think  we  often  have  good  tidings  of  great  joy,"  he 
said  to  Kathie,  "if  we  could  only  stop  and  view  them 
rightly." 

So  "  the  feast  was  set,  the  guests  were  met,"  and  no 
one  enjoyed  it  more  than  General  Mackenzie.  He  had 
rather  envied  Mr.  Conover  his  many  occasions  of  playing 
host,  but  now  he  had  the  full  glory,  with  Kathie  at  his  side, 
almost  as  a  daughter.  Oh,  why  could  it  not  be?" 

Charlie,  and  Fred,  and  Kathie  had  hung  the  house  with 
18 


274  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

evergreens.  Rob  had  scoured  the  city  and  ruined  himself, 
he  declared,  in  holly  berries,  and  brought  up  from  Cedar- 
wood  some  trails  of  glistening  bitter-sweet.  They  had 
emblems  and  flowers  ;  the  whole  house  was  fragrant  with 
them.  The  parlor  looked  lovely  in  its  adornments.  It 
had  been  a  great  enjoyment  to  Bruce  as  he  lay  in  bed  and 
saw  them  at  their  pretty  work  through  the  open  door. 
Then  they  had  invaded  his  room  with  the  fragrance  of 
spruce,  and  pine,  and  hemlock.  They  were  to  have  a  little 
Christmas-eve  service  there. 

Mrs.  Alston  and  the  baby  came  down  the  day  before, 
and  then  Kathie's  heart  was  quite  divided,  but  brimming 
over  with  happiness.  She  kissed  Uncle  Robert  tenderly. 

"Do  you  know,"  she  exclaimed,  "I  feel  almost  like 
Tennyson's  little  May  queen,  as  if  to-morrow  would  be 
not  the  merriest,  perhaps,  but  the  happiest  of  '  all  the  glad 
new  year '  ?  There  have  been  so  many  times  in  my  life 
when  I  have  not  had  anything  more  to  ask,  and  now  it 
has  come  over  again,  and  I  shall  have  all  the  people  I  want 
together. 

Yes,  she  was  very  happy.  There  was  no  need  of  doubt- 
ing, wondering. 

Their  dinner  was  at  four  during  the  short  winter  days. 
Aunt  Ruth  went  up  to  keep  Bruce  company  during  his 
meal,  leaving  Kathie  free  for  her  mother  and  baby  Bertie. 

Bruce  had  not  much  appetite  yet.  His  mother  fed  him 
the  dessert,  with  a  playful  smile. 

"  Two  babies  in  the  house  at  once,"  he  said.  "  Mother, 
I  think  God's  best  gift  to  my  father  and  me  has  been 
your  tender  love,  yourself.  What  would  my  life  have 
been  without  it?  And  with  it  his  is  so  blest." 

"  I  am  glad,  thankful.  And  —  you  are  quite  resigned, 
Bruce?" 

There  was  such  a  soft,  sj'mpathetic  falter  in  her  voice 
that  he  was  much  moved.  He  pressed  the  hand  he  held 
to  his  lips. 


WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED.  275 

"  Resigned  ;  that  is  just  the  word,  mother.  I  don't  know 
as  we  are  expected  to  be  glad  to  give  up  our  greatest  hap- 
piness. I  can  never  imagine  being  glad  that  I  have  not 
Kathie,  but  she  is  another's,  and  I  can  see  her  now  without 
coveting.  I  can  even  rejoice  that  she  will  make  another 
life  happy,  that  she  will  do  a  noble  work  and  be  in  all 
things  a  helpmeet  for  her  husband.  It  was  very  hard 
when  I  first  came."  And  his  voice  dropped  to  soft,  slow 
inflection. 

"Oh,  I  was  afraid  of  it!" 

' '  Mamma,  dear,  I  was  not  educated  for  a  soldier  to 
shame  the  profession.  I  shall  always  be  thankful  that  my 
father  was  a  Christian  gentleman,  as  well  as  a  soldier. 
And  now,  though  we  can't  quite  see  the  haven,  we  are 
coming  to  it.  You  and  father  will  have  your  son,  no  poor 
lameter,"  with  a  smile  ;  "  and  as  the  years  go  on  he  will 
try  to  comfort  and  cherish.  I  think  we  shall  never  be 
very  much  separated  again.  I  have  been  considering  a 
new  calling,  and  if  my  plans  should  work,  — but  that  will 
keep.  And  to-morrow  will  be  a  white  dajr,  I  was  going  to 
say  the  happiest  of  my  life.  I  have  more,  really,  you 
know." 

Just  what  Kathie  had  said. 

He  drew  some  short,  quick  breaths. 

"You  are  tired,"  she  said  apprehensively.  "  Will  not 
the  service  be  too  much  to-night?" 

"  No,  dear.  It  will  not  be  until  quite  late,  and  I  can 
rest  between,  you  know.  You  may  even  keep  Rob  away, 
though  he  will  be  too  busy  to  come,  I  dare  say.  I  may 
fall  asleep  ;  I  often  do  at  the  edge  of  evening. 

"  Thank  God  }TOU  are  so  happy !  "  And  she  kissed  the 
brow,  pale  to  transparency. 

They  were  busy,  though  they  would  all  have  rushed  to 
his  room  but  for  Aunt  Ruth's  prohibition. 

But  baby  went  to  sleep,  Uncle  Robert  sauntered  out  to 
make  a  few  purchases,  Kathie  added  some  finishing  touches, 


276  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

and  then  came  down  in  her  white  cashmere  with  its  swan's- 
down  trimming,  that  all  the  bo}-s  liked  so  well.  Fred  and 
Dick  Grayson  dropped  in.  They  had  been  helping  to 
adorn  Charlie's  mission  chapel,  and  reported  that  the  young 
man  would  soon  be  on  hand. 

Bruce  was  rested  and  awaiting  them.  A  reverent  group 
of  young  people  who  had  passed  so  much  of  their  lives 
together,  who  had  been  drawn  into  the  great  chain  of  fel- 
lowship by  little  links  of  pleasure,  enjoyment,  and  pain, 
and  cemented  by  love,  standing  on  the  threshold  of  life 
with  high  ideals  and  brave  purposes. 

Charlie  entered  in  his  white  robe.  Bruce  seemed  to 
realize  the  exceeding  spirituality  of  his  refined  and  ideal- 
istic face  as  he  never  had  before.  True,  and  gentle,  and 
tender  he  had  always  thought  him,  but  this  placed  him  in 
a  new  light ;  the  soul,  strong  in  the  might  of  a  high  work, 
strong  in  the  faith  of  the  living  Christ.  Tho  man  and  his 
work  centralized  suddenly,  and  Bruce  bowed  in  uncon- 
scious reverence. 

Kathie  sat  at  the  piano  and  played.  To  Bruce  her  face 
was  the  face  of  an  angel.  Her  soft  white  robe  fell  about 
her  in  billowy  folds,  and  the  light  made  a  halo  around  her 
fair  head.  One  sentence  went  floating  through  his  mind 
with  the  recurrence  of  tide  beating  up  on  the  shore,  — 
"Whom  God  hath  joined  together."  Was  it  designed 
from  the  beginning? 

They  had  their  carols,  their  reading,  their  prayers. 
They  all  kept  the  feast  in  peace  and  good-will,  in  new 
resolves  and  purer  faith.  Last  of  all  they  sang  the  even- 
ing hymn  and  listened  reverently  to  the  greater  benedic- 
tion. 

Charlie  and  Fred  were  going  out  to  a  midnight  service. 
They  all  gathered  about  Bruce's  bed  for  a  little  chat  of 
good  wishes  and  gratitude,  and  then  dispersed. 

Bruce  was  calm  and  tranquil  with  heavenly  peace,  and 
yet  he  could  not  sleep.  There  was  a  stir  in  the  street 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  277 

after  the  house  became  quiet.     Then  the  bells  pealed  for 
midnight,  and  the  chimes  rang  out  their  message  :  — 
"  Peace  and  good-will,  good-will  and  peace." 
Yet  there  lingered  last  of  all  one   verse  in  which  the 
remembered  sweetness  of  Kathie's  voice  haunted  him :  — 

"  Teach  me  to  live,  that  I  may  dread 
The  grave  as  little  as  my  bed  ; 
Teach  me  to  die,  that  so  I  may 
Triumphing  rise  at  the  last  day." 

Christmas  morning  dawned  gloriously.  Kathie  and 
Uncle  Robert  went  to  early  service  while  their  souls  were 
still  "  unvexed  by  care."  The  Merediths  and  the  two 
children  came,  but  Bertie  stood  her  ground  boldly  and 
bravely. 

"Kathie,  I  believe  ever  so  long  ago  you  promised  to 
endow  Robin  with  half  your  fortune  and  all  your  love, 
wasn't  it?"  and  Mr.  Meredith  shook  his  head  with  a  half- 
comic  gravity.  "  I  begin  to  fear  for  his  undivided  estate." 

But  Robin  seemed  very  much  taken  up  with  the  second 
of  the  name,  and  relegated  Kathie  to  the  girls,  in  his 
imperious  boy  fashion. 

They  had  almost  persuaded  Aunt  Ruth  to  let  them  bring 
Bruce  down  stairs  for  dinner,  but  Dr.  Markham  quenched 
their  project.  They  might  wheel  him  out  in  the  parlor  on 
the  reclining  chair,  but  he  was  on  no  account  to  sit  up. 

He  thought  that  a  great  treat.  They  had  dinner  rather 
earlier  and  a  pretty  tea  up-stairs,  Kathie  making  it  over 
the  spirit  lamp,  and  the  boys  passing  the  plates  and 
refreshments.  The  gifts  had  all  been  ranged  on  a  console 
in  the  alcove,  in  lieu  of  a  Christmas  tree,  and  in  the  even- 
ing they  had  another  delightful  time  singing. 

Dr.  Markham  said  to  Bruce,  "  Now  you  can  address 
yourself  to  the  task  of  getting  well ;  there  is  nothing  in  the 
way." 

The  young  man  went  at  it  with  great  vigor  and  earnest- 
ness. It  was  good  to  live.  There  were  many  things  to 


278  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

do.  The  whole  fascinating  realm  of  science  lay  before 
him.  Di.  Gamier,  young,  enthusiastic,  and  fervent,  used 
to  drop  in  for  a  talk  ;  Dick  and  Rob  brought  him  news  of 
the  outer  world  and  its  progress  ;  he  had  long  discussions 
with  his  father  on  philanthropical  problems  ;  and  when  he 
was  too  tired  for  these  there  was  chess  and  music.  Kathie 
used  to  sit  at  the  piano  and  play  "  songs  without  words," 
until  his  soul  was  stirred  to  waves  of  rapt  melody.  She 
had  taken  her  brother's  place  in  the  poetry  reading,  and 
they  went  over  volumes  together,  culling  the  choicest 
flowers. 

Then  he  could  begin  to  walk  about  a  little  with  a  crutch, 
for  the  hip  joint  had  still  to  be  tenderly  guarded.  The 
days  were  bright  and  pleasant,  sometimes  with  a  hint  of 
spring  in  the  air,  and  occasionally  they  spoke  of  the  sum- 
mer days  and  Cedarwood. 

Kathie  went  home  for  a  little  visit. 

"  I  Ve  about  half  adopted  Fay,"  said  Mrs.  Alston.  "  I 
don't  know  what  I  should  have  done  but  for  her.  Georgie 
Halford  is  to  be  married  presently,  and  Mrs.  Adams  wants 
you  and  Emma.  I  think  she  is  afraid  things  will  go  wrong 
if  you  are  not  here." 

Fa}*  had  made  no  positive  difference,  nothing  to  remind 
Mrs.  Alston  of  any  little  mistaken  hope  that  had  sprung  up 
too  soon  and  been  nipped  by  an  untoward  frost.  She 
came  over  frequently.  Rob  was  never  home  on  week  days. 
She  played  with  and  petted  the  child,  she  listened  to  little 
fragments  of  the  sad  story  until  it  seemed  she  had  it  all 
by  heart,  and  pitied  profoundly  the  life  that  had  been 
so  wrenched  out  cf  proper  symmetry. 

And  then  Kathie  must  go  up  to  see  how  Mrs.  Truesdell's 
life  was  widening  out  and  bearing  fruit,  the  fruit  of  the 
spirit,  patience,  gentleness,  and  charity ;  to  note  how 
much  richer  the  man  at  her  side  was  growing  with  the  stir 
and  freshness  of  her  soul. 

Aunt  Ruth  wrote  every  day  or  two  :  "  Bruce  went  down 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARBLED.  279 

stairs  "  ;  "  Bruce  went  out  with  Dr.  Markham  "  ;  and  one 
evening  they  ventured  to  Mrs.  Garnier's,  where  they  found 
Ada  quite  a  little  queen,  set  about  with  brilliant  stones, 
that  flashed,  and  sparkled,  and  emitted  strange  lights  as 
they  were  rubbed  and  stirred  by  the  friction  in  the  atmos- 
phere. But  to  Bruce  there  came  anocher  vision,  a  fair, 
sweet  girl,  a  Una,  not  with  her  lion,  but  with  her  loyal 
young  knights. 

He  thought  of  her  daily,  nightly,  I  was  going  to  say,  for 
she  often  was  his  last  remembrance.  All  her  sweet,  un- 
selfish joyousness,  her  out-giving,  her  never  saving  up  bits 
and  choice  delights,  and  oh,  never  finding  an}'  lack. 

Charlie  Darrell  was  sitting  by  his  reclining  chair  one 
evening,  while  the  General  and  Aunt  Ruth  had  gone  to 
hear  a  famous  singer. 

"  Don't  you  miss  Kathie terribly?  "  asked  Charlie  with  a 
sudden  irrelevancy.  ' '  The  house  seems  so  strange  and 
still  without  her !  quite  like  another  place.  Kathie  is  n't 
ever  noisy,  but  there  is  a  curious  sort  of  pervasiveness 
about  her.  She  seems  to  fill  ever}r  place.  She  is  like  the 
scent  of  heliotrope.  You  can  tell  from  ever  such  a  little 
bit  that  the  real  bloom  is  there." 

"Yes  —  I  miss  her  —  very  much,"  Bruce  answered 
slowly. 

"Is  she  coming  back,  do  you  know?  If  not,  I  must 
take  a  run  to  Cedarwood  ;  I  have  something  of  importance 
to  lay  before  her.  Do  you  mind  my  telling?  Lovers 
prove  bores  so  often  that  I  have  resolved  never  to  be 
obtrusive."  And  a  bright  color  flushed  his  face.  "It  is 
about  a  call.  You  know  I  have  been  doing  mission 
work  here  in  the  city  and  waiting.  I  promised  her  mother 
I  wouldn't  really  ask  for  her  in  two  years,  and  that  will  be 
next  summer,"  with  a  softened,  lingering  accent,  and 
a  dreamy  flush  of  anticipation.  ' '  But  I  have  received  a 
call  to  one  of  the  prettiest  towns  up  the  Hudson.  The 
salary  is  very  fair,  the  society  above  the  average,  the 


280  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

church  beautiful,  and  the  loveliest  rectory  imaginable.  A 
Mr.  Dinsmore,  one  of  the  wardens,  does  business  here  in 
the  city.  I  went  up  once  and  exchanged  with  the  clergy- 
man, and  now  he  is  going  abroad.  I  think  Kathie  ought 
to  have  a  voice  in  her  future  home." 

There  was  a  long  silence.  Her  future  home.  She  had 
come  into  his  life,  but  she  must  go  out  again.  She  could 
not  remain  the  bright,  eager  friend  and  companion  ! 

"  I  should  think  it  might  be  very  delightful,"  Bruce 
made  answer  slowly. 

"It  is  a  lovely  place.  I  wish  you  were  well  enough  to 
take  a  day's  journey  up  there.  Perhaps  you  will  be  before 
long.  You  know  we  have  counted  on  you  for  a  steady 
friend,  and  this  episode  has  brought  us  all  so  much  nearer 
together.  But  for  all  the  terrible  suffering  to  you,  I  should 
rejoice  that  it  had  happened.  And  that  is  just  the  sphere 
Kathie  could  grace  so  well,  though  she  would  be  charming 
anywhere." 

"  You  like  it ;  the  work,  I  mean?  "  Bruce's  voice  was  a 
little  husky  and  strained. 

' '  It  will  be  delightful  in  many  ways .  but  there  is  some- 
thing—  See  here,  Bruce,  you  are  not  the  one  to  shirk  a 
square  ordeal ;  help  me  with  a  little  clear  sight.  I  ought 
to  do  this  for  Kathie.  No  doubt  I  shall  soon  be  content 
and  satisfied.  But,  oh,  what  of  the  perishing  souls  here? 
"What  of  the  young  men  with  no  homes,  no  hope,  rushing 
madly  to  ruin  on  every  side?  There  is  enough  to  save 
them  if  they  would  come,  but  they  will  not ;  the  way  is  a 
strange  path  to  them.  And  just  here  comes  the  Divine 
mandate,  '  Go  into  the  highways  and  hedges.'  They  will 
listen  sometimes  to  youth  when  they  would  laugh  and  jeer 
at  an  older  person.  There  are  so  many  ways ;  and  I  'm 
not  sure  but  a  man  who  has  had  a  clean,  wholesome,  love- 
appointed  home  knows  better  what  these  have  lost.  My 
heart  aches  for  them.  My  whole  soul  goes  out  in  strong 
crying.  And  yet  it  is  hardly  the  place  or  the  work  in 
which  to  take  a  sweet  young  girl  like  Kathie  Alston." 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  281 

Bruce  placed  his  hand  softly  on  that  of  the  other,  but 
his  face  was  parti}'  turned  away.  There  was  the  ring  of 
the  true  soldier.  He  could  never  think  Charlie  rather 
weak  and  idealistic  after  that  certain  sound  of  the  trum- 
pet. He  had  undervalued  him.  The  poetical  ideas,  the 
exalted  reverence,  the  diviner  life  of  self-consecration 
that  seemed  to  stand  a  little  out  of  the  common  work,  the 
extreme  purity  and  almost  girlish  sympatlry  and  tender- 
ness :  if  it  could  take  its  white  robes  down  to  the  mouth 
of  that  seething  pit,  if  it  could  hold  out  its  clean,  dainty 
hands  unshrinkingly  to  that  wretchedness,  there  was  the 
truth  and  strength  of  the  Almighty  in  it.  The  brave 
young  soldier  felt  humbled,  self-condemned.  He  longed 
to  ask  pardon,  to  show  the  other  how  high  he  did  truly 
exalt  him. 

"  I  must  think  a  little  of  her.  There  is  work  to  do  in 
the  other  place  as  well,  and  sometimes  I  believe  the  rich 
are  as  much  in  -need  of  devoted  missionaries.  They  make 
their  lives  narrow  and  cold,  and  wrap  themselves  up  in 
indolent,  dream}1-  music  and  fine  preaching.  So  I  would 
not  need  be  idle." 

"  Dear  friend,"  and  the  clasp  tightened,  "  can  any  one 
answer  for  another?  Ask  her.  Tell  her  truly." 

"  There,  I  have  quite  stirred  you  up  by  all  this  vehe- 
mence. I  forgot  }'ou  were  not  as  strong  as  Dick  or  Rob. 
I  feel  the  excitement  in  your  voice,  in  j*our  hands.  I  '11 
go  and  play  a  little  while.  That  is  a  trick  I  have  caught 
from  Kathie." 

He  seated  himself  at  the  piano.  He  was  very  fond  of 
improvising,  and  now  it  was  something  in  the  soft  minor 
chords,  tranquillizing  rather  than  saddening.  Bruce  lis- 
tened. He  did  not  want  to  think  just  then.  He  would 
wait  for  that  until  the  lights  were  out  and  all  was  still. 

They  said  good  night  after  Rob  came  in,  and,  as  the 
young  man  had  not  quite  given  up  all  his  duties,  he  saw 
Bruce  safely  in  bed. 


282  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  Seems  to  me  you  look  a  little  pale,  old  chap!"  he 
said  gayly. 

And  then,  in  the  silence  of  the  night,  Bruce  confronted 
the  phantom  he  had  thought  laid  forever.  He  had  been 
fancying,  feeding  his  soul  with  friendship,  and  out  of  it 
had  arisen  the  old  love.  But  if  ever  there  had  been  a 
dream  it  must  be  put  away,  sternly,  wholly.  The  covet- 
ing regard  was  a  snare  and  a  delusion  ;  he  had  called  it  by 
another  name,  but  now  he  dragged  it  out  to  the  pitiless 
light.  His  soul  should  not  be  stained  with  it ;  even  if  it 
took  a  lifetime  of  effort,  it  should  be  done.  He  had  not 
designedly  gone  into  temptation.  He  did  not  see  how  any 
of  this  could  have  been  helped,  but  he  had  overrated  his 
own  strength  and  discipline  of  mind.  The  fancied  secu- 
rity had  been  built  upon  false  premises.  All  the  rich  and 
sweet  associations,  all  the  deep  and  tender  memories,  the 
past  and  the  present,  had  been  leading  his  too  willing  feet 
over  into  his  neighbor's  beautiful  fields  until  he  desired, 
with  the  mad,  passionate  desire  of  covetousness,  to  gather 
the  fruit,  to  pluck  the  blossoms,  and  carry  them  quite 
away.  A  little  more  and  he  might  have  spoken,  or  smiled, 
or  looked,  and  told  the  whole  sterty.  Her  infinite  pity 
would  have  been  touched,  perhaps  won,  for  people  in  a 
moment  of  mighty  temptation  do  not  always  consider  if  it 
is  the  true,  unflawed  pearl  they  are  reaching  after.  Always 
there  would  have  been  a  shadow  of  wrong  and  stain  on 
both  lives,  an  uneasy  sense,  a  hiding  away  in  the  garden 
at  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 

He  prayed  a  little  by  snatches  ;  it  was  so  hard  just  then 
to  desire  to  be  saved,  even  though  he  knew  it  was  the  right 
thing.  Now  and  then  the  other  course  seemed  so  possible, 
so  plausible.  What  was  in  her  soul  ?  If  he  could  know  ! 
Had  God  really  joined  them  together  in  that  completest  of 
all  love  ? 

"Save  me,"  he  cried.  "  I  am  weak  and  worn  with  the 
tempest,  but  do  Thou  bring  me  to  the  haven  where  I 
would  be." 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THERE  followed  a  week  of  warm,  rainy,  and  foggy 
weather,  and  with  it  a  pause  in  the  vital  forces  of  Bruce 
Mackenzie.  He  could  not  sleep ;  his  appetite  fell  to  a 
mere  nothing.  Yet  in  his  patient  submissiveness  no  one 
could  guess  the  wearying  inward  strife,  the  temptation 
resisted  so  silently  that  its  existence  was  not  suspected. 
He  compelled  himself  to  speak  of  Kathie  in  the  most  cheer- 
ful of  tones  ;  he  allowed  himself  to  be  lulled  and  soothed 
by  his  mother's  playing,  so  like  hers.  He  fought  Rob  at 
chess  with  no  outward  diminution  of  valor,  but  inwardly 
it  was  weariness  of  soul. 

"  We  shall  have  to  send  for  Kathie  again,"  declared 
his  father,  "  and  compel  her  to  disclose  the  secret  of  her 
unfailing  panacea." 

Upon  this  hint  Rob  wrote,  in  a  funnj7,  melodramatic 
manner,  quoting  from  ' '  Lord  Ullin's  Daughter,"  on  the 
very  first  line,  with  a  change  of  pronoun  :  — 

"  Come  back,  come  back,  they  cried  in  grief 
Across  the  stormy  water." 

The  house  was  desolate ;  Bruce  was  sinking  fast. 
Charlie  was  in  a  state  of  awful  uncertainty  about  some- 
thing or  other,  and  he,  Rob,  would  expect  to  bring  her 
back  with  him  next  Monday  morning." 

He  said  nothing  to  the  others,  so  again  Bruce  had  no 
choice. 

Kathie  laughed  over  the  letter.  There  would  always  be 
some  fun  cropping  out  in  Rob.  The  healthy  buoyancy 
of  nature  would  assert  itself. 


284  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  I  suppose  I  shall  have  to  go,"  she  said.  "  Charlie 
spoke  of  something,  but  he  has  two  very  sick  people  on 
his  hands,  and  it  does  seem  as  if  I  never  stayed  at  home 
any  more.  Bertie  is  so  fond  of  me,  too,"  with  a  remorseful 
touch  to  her  tone. 

"  You  might  go  for  a  little  while,"  rather  reluctantly. 

"  Mamma,"  eagerly,  "  I  've  just  had  a  bright  thought. 
Dr.  Markham  says  Bruce  must  have  change  of  air  ;  that  he 
has  exhausted  New  York."  ("  Just  imagine  the  immense 
receiver,"  Rob  had  appended.)  "Why  shouldn't  they 
come  down  here  for  the  summer?  We  have  this  great 
house  and  lovely  grounds,  and  only  so  few  people  now ; 
then  Brookside  is  really  cultivated  and  artistic.  And, 
oddly  enough,  Bruce  begins  to  design  such  pretty  little 
things.  Emma  says  he  has  a  real  artist's  eye.  She  will 
be  here." 

"  I  am  sure  I  would  be  only  too  glad  to  have  them  do 
it,"  returned  Mrs.  Alston. 

"  Then  I  should  n't  be  running  hither  and  yon  forever. 
It  would  be  terribly  lonely  for  Rob,  though." 

Always  read}'  to  think  what  any  change  might  bring  to 
another,  and  desiring  the  other's  happiness. 

The  Mackenzies  were  surprised  and  overjoyed  by  hav- 
ing Rob  march  in  Monday  noon  with  Kathie  on  his  arm. 
General  Mackenzie  kissed  her  tenderly,  and  Aunt  Ruth 
seemed  to  lay  down  a  burden  at  her  entrance. 

She  was  a  good  deal  surprised  at  the  change  in  Bruce  ; 
indeed,  for  days  an  unseen  something  baffled  her.  He  was 
gentle,  grateful,  ready  to  be  entertained,  but  he  seemed 
holding  back  a  secret  pain  or  resolve,  as  one  does  a 
breath  in  a  moment  of  agony.  He  would  not  let  himself 
enjoy  the  full,  long  respiration  of  relief. 

Then  a  little  cloud  shadowed  the  exquisiteness  of 
Kathie's  flawless  sky.  It  brought  back  the  sort  of  pain 
and  secret  shame  of  Eugene  Collamore's  love,  though  why 
it  should  unconsciously  connect  itself  with  that  she  could 
not  understand. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  285 

They  had  the  pretty  reception-room  at  Aunt  Ruth's  to 
themselves  one  evening,  and  Charlie  explained  to  her  the 
call  and  its  many  advantages,  and  the  necessity  for  some 
kind  of  a  decision. 

"  Rob  went  up  to  Mr.  Dinsmore's  with  me  one  evening 
to  dinner :  I  suppose  he  told  you  ?  He  was  wild  over  the 
rectory  and  the  grounds.  This  Mr.  Copeland  is  quite  a 
middle-aged  bachelor,  and  very  artistic,  over  much,  I 
fancy,"  with  a  little  smile.  "  But  it  made  me  think  of  you 
and  Emma.  We  never  could  find  anything  so  near  our 
ideal." 

' '  I  am  afraid  I  have  n't  had  any  —  much  —  of  an  ideal," 
Kathie  said  hesitatingly.  "  And  it  seems  so  sudden. 
Must  you  give  an  answer  immediately? " 

"  I  ought  to  have  told  you  before.  Mr.  Dinsmore  spoke 
of  it  a  month  ago.  I  thought  it  over  a  little  myself,  then 
there  were  so  many  things,  and  this  poor  fellow  who  had 
just  died  !  Kathie,  there  was  some  similarity  in  his  his- 
tory to  that  of  Rob's.  He  belonged  to  a  wealthy  family, 
and  married  a  coarse,  designing  girl,  and  his  people 
would  have  nothing  to  do  with  him.  He  must  have  been 
very  much  infatuated,  for  after  his  wife  showed  him  how 
utterly  heartless  and  unprincipled  she  was,  and  left  him 
for  evil  wa}-s,  he  still  clung  to  her.  I  dare  say  he  had 
drank  some  before,  but  then  he  threw  himself  into  the 
awful  gulf  of  intemperance,  and  became  worse  than  a 
brute.  I  found  him  in  all  the  horrors  of  delirium  tremens, 
and  had  him  nursed  and  cared  for,  but  it  was  too  late  to 
save  his  poor  body.  That  was  worn  out  at  the  age  of 
twenty-seven.  I  think  he  saw  at  the  last,  but  he  was  so 
afraid  to  face  God  with  the  broken  fragments,  and  he 
could  not  bear  to  have  me  leave  him.  Kathie,  we  must 
all  be  thankful  that  there  was  enough  true  manliness  and 
true  godliness  in  Rob  to  save  him.  I  think  he  will  see 
some  day  just  where  the  strength  lies.  Everybody  does  n't 
come  to  the  full  knowledge  at  once." 


286  WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Kathie  drew  a  long,  shivering  breath.  "  Oh,  if  It  had 
been  Rob  —  " 

u  There,  do  not  think  of  the  dreadful  picture.  God 
kept  him  for  us  all,  especially,  I  think,  for  Uncle  Robert. 
He  always  had  a  rather  curious,  honest,  rough  courage. 
Perhaps  God  has  given  him  just  the  measure  he  needs. 
But,  my  little  darling,  we  must  think  of  ourselves." 

"Oh,  is  it  right,  when  there  is  so  much  work  in  the 
world? "  she  cried  hastily,  but  with  the  utmost  fervor. 

"  To  a  certain  extent,  }'es.  You  know  our  Saviour 
said,  '  The  poor  you  have  with  you  always ,'  and  I  believe 
he  designed  to  teach  us  patience  as  well  as  sj'mpathy, 
patience  for  ourselves,  that  we  should  not  rush  at  the  great 
work  with  superhuman  efforts,  and  fall  away  discouraged 
because  we  could  not  accomplish  it  all,  cure  all  the  harm, 
and  sin,  and  wrong.  Mine  is  only  a  very  little  piece. 
And  beside,  He  made  homes,  He  set  them  in  families,  and 
showed  them  '  the  better  part ' ;  He  bade  them  love  one 
another.  I  shall  not  be  idle  in  the  other  place."  And  there 
was  a  certain  bright  hope  in  his  voice. 

"  But  —  "  How  explain  the  strange  unwillingness  ?  "I 
do  not  like  to  be  hurried  into  an}-thing.  I  like  to  look  it 
over,  to  consider.  Must  you  decide  soon  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  ought.     It  is  not  fair  to  keep  them  waiting." 

' '  Which  would  you  rather  do  ?  "  She  asked  it  with  a 
great  fluttering  of  soul. 

"  The  work  here  interests  me  deeply.  Still,  it  will  not 
give  me  the  home  I  want  for  you,  the  place  where  we  may 
work  together.  It  would  break  your  tender  heart  to  see 
the  sights,  to  hear  the  groans  and  cries,  that  remind  me  of 
Dante's  Inferno,  here  upon  earth.  And  it  may  be  a  long 
while  before  an}'  home  as  lovely  as  this  comes  to  us  again." 

"  I  am  not  a  coward,"  she  said  bravely.  "I  am  not 
thinking  of  the  fine  raiment,  or  the  high  seats,  and  some- 
times in  parishes  like  that  there  is  pride,  and  coldness,  and 
obstacles  of  all  sorts.  You  can't  get  to  people's  hearts, 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  287 

you  can't  do  any  real  work,  and  if  it  was  this  way  would 
you  be  satisfied  ?  " 

He  was  silent.     It  had  been  his  one  fear. 

' '  And  —  "  Her  bravery  was  all  gone  now.  There  came 
a  white  flickering  in  her  face,  a  great  tremble  seemed  to 
shake  her  very  soul.  "Oh,"  she  cried,  "are  you  quite 
sure  we  are  right?  that  I  ought  to  have  taken  what  I 
did  that  summer  night?  For  it  seems  so  strange  to  go  out 
of  my  own  life  into  another's.  After  all,  I  have  been  so 
little  with  mamma,  and  to  go  away  from  them  all ! " 

She  paused,  with  a  piteous  sob  of  excitement  in  her 
breath.  She  stretched  out  her  hands  as  if  she  would  cling 
to  some  sure  anchor. 

He  caught  them,  clasped  them  in  his  own,  and  held  them 
firm  and  strong. 

"  My  dear  Kathie,  my  darling,  you  are  so  excited.  I 
suppose  it  does  seem  sudden  to  you,  but  we  ^ould  not 
come  to  the  real  separation  until  next  summer  or  fall. 
And  there  may  be  other  chances." 

"  There  will  be.  I  don't  know  why,  but  that  seems  so 
cold  and  far  off,  so  finished,  and  hemmed  about,  and  polite, 
as  if  one  would  never  get  out  of  the  polished  rims.  It 
catches  my  very  breath.  How  foolish  !  "  with  a  sudden 
gesture  of  disapproval.  "  Charlie,  promise  to  do  what 
you  would  like  as  if  I  were  not  in  it  at  all." 

"  But  you  are  in  it,  even  here."  And  a  smile  of  heavenly 
content  illumined  his  face.  "  You  are  always  with  me,  in 
my  soul,  so  you  cannot  escape.  I  am  not  sure,  however, 
but  that  I  would  rather  stay  here  a  while  longer.  So  we 
will  let  it  go  for  the  present.  When  I  have  served  my  two 
years  we  will  plan  for  it.  And  I  should  be  sorry  to  go 
away  from  Rob." 

"  Stay,"  she  said  then.  Some  flashing  inner  conscious- 
ness impelled  her. 

He  kissed  her  reverently.  He  was  more  than  content 
She  would  never  strive  for  the  gauds  of  this  world,  tin 
pride  of  life. 


288  WHOM  KATHIE    MARRIED. 

Rob  was  surprised  at  the  decision.  Aunt  Ruth  won« 
dered  and  discussed  it  a  little. 

"  I  am  afraid  it  would  be  like  getting  among  the  patri- 
cians at  school."  And  Kathie  smiled  faintl}'. 

Bruce  said,  u  You  were  very  brave  to  give  it  up." 

"  I  am  of  the  opinion  it  would  have  required  bravery  to 
go,"  she  made  answer  simply.  And  he  asked  himself  if 
she  understood  all  that  it  meant.  Try  as  he  might  to  put 
it  out  of  his  mind,  some  vague  questioning  would  creep  in. 

The  weather  came  off  oppressively  warm,  May  instead 
of  March.  Bruce  went  about  a  little,  but  he  did  not  gain 
strength.  He  would  not  confess  to  suffering  any  intense 
pain,  but  there  was  a  worn  and  anxious  look  in  his  face, 
and  his  e}"es  were  heavy. 

So  the}'  began  to  talk  in  good  earnest  about  a  change. 
Brookside  was  discussed ;  then  more  bracing  seaside 
places,  as  it  was  rather  early  for  mountains.  "  A  sea  voy- 
age," said  Dr.  Markham.  That  set  them  all  to  think- 
ing. There  was  Europe  and  the  Mediterranean,  Egypt. 

Bruce  settled  it  at  length,  as  he  and  Rob  were  poring 
over  the  map. 

"  I  should  like  to  go  to  the  Azores.  Fayal  is  said  to  have 
such  a  perfect  climate.  Since  I  am  to  live  I  should  like  to 
get  thoroughly  well." 

They  considered  a  little  and  then  agreed,  since  Dr.  Mark- 
ham  thought  they  could  not  do  better. 

"  I'm  not  going  to  have  any  sad  good-byes,"  said  Bruce 
one  evening.  "  I  want  all  the  boys  to  come  in  as  for  any 
other  call,  and  wish  me  l  bon  voyage,'  and  you  and  Mr. 
Conover  may  see  us  off,"  nodding  to  Rob. 

"  Thanks,  old  fellow,  for  being  remembered  in  your 
will."  And  Rob  made  a  funny  face. 

"  It  is  n't  as  if  I  was  in  the  last  stages  of  consump- 
tion — " 

"  With  the  sands  of  life  nearly  run  out,"  interrupted 
Bob.  "  The  Indian  bullet  missed  its  deadly  mission." 


WHOM   KATHIB   MARRIED.  289 

"  O  Rob  !  " 

It  was  Kathie's  tender,  upbraiding  voice. 

"  Well,  if  he  will  not  let  me  be  pathetic,  I  must  be 
tragic.  Tkere  is  a  great  fund  of  unused  material  lying 
about  my  massive  brain." 

"  O  Rob,  it  would  be  jolly  to  take  you." 

"  As  jolly  as  our  first  tour  together  to  the  camping- 
ground  of  the  brave  red  men  of  our  school  days."  And  Rob 
laughed. 

They  settled  about  giving  up  the  house.  Mrs.  Alston 
came  up  for  a  few  days.  Bruce  held  receptions  and  took 
the  good  wishes  and  love.  The  boys  were  not  over-senti- 
mental, yet  it  had  been  a  kind  of  glorious  winter,  after 
all. 

So  they  came  to  the  last  evening.  Kathie  had  been 
playing  some  old  songs,  and  Bruce  was  stretched  out  in 
the  reclining  chair;  Rob  was  looking  over  several  little 
matters,  and  the  three  were  by  themselves. 

Kathie  rose  presently. 

"  Oh,  we  shall  all  miss  you  so  much  !  I  should  not  want 
the  suffering  over  again,  but  —  "  And  she  came  nearer 
Bruce. 

"  It  will  be  sweet  to  remember  the  sympathy  and  ten- 
derness all  my  life  long.  Yes,  it  has  been  a  happy  time  "  ; 
as  if  he  had  to  convince  himself  of  the  happiness  that 
should  have  been  there. 

Then  he  suddenly  held  out  his  hands. 

"  This  is  our  good  by,"  he  began,  taking  both  of  hers, 
and  drawing  her  to  him. 

She  bent  over,  and  there  came  a  strange  light  in  her 
face,  a  little  flush,  a  swift  tremulousness  that  she  felt  in 
her  very  finger  ends. 

"No  —  "    He  would  not  let  her  say  anything,  but  the 

sweet  face  came  nearer,  the  lips  touched  his,  pure  as  a 

child.      He  could  not   even  kiss  his  parting  that  way ; 

every  pulse  was  in  a  flame.     He  moved  the  face  a  trifle, 

19 


290  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Mid  the  brow  received  the  secret  of  the  lifelong  love. 
Then  he  just  murmured :  — 

"  Say  not  good  night,  but  in  some  future  time 
Bid  me  good  morning." 

She  went  quietly  out,  as  in  a  trance.  He  lay  back  on 
the  pillow,  and  a  sound  like  that  of  waves  surged  in  his 
ears. 

"  Bruce,  old  fellow,  dear  old  chap  !  let  me  call  her  back  ! 
You  have  n't  learned  to  unlove  her  all  this  time.  Oh,  it 
has  been  this  —  " 

"  Hush,  I  shall  be  better  ;  I  am  better,"  rising  in  an  ex- 
cited manner,  his  eyes  burning  with  an  intense  light.  "  It 
was  miserable  cowardice  on  mj-  part  — " 

"  No,  it  was  n't !  "  vehemently.  "  And  I  don't  see  why 
you  should  not  have  your  chance  !  I  don't  believe  Kathie 
knows,  or  thinks.  Let  her  compare  the  two  loves  and 
choose  between  them.  Come,  that  will  be  only  fair !  " 

"  She  has  no  right  to  compare  his  love  with  that  of  any 
other !  She  must  take  it  or  leave  it,  but  to  balance  or 
weigh,  to  anatyze  —  " 

"  I  don't  mean  that,"  passionately.  "  If  there  is  any- 
thing greater,  tenderer,  better  —  " 

"  Not  even  then,  Rob.  If  I  had  not  known  of  this  I 
might  plead  for  my  chance.  But  it  would  be  the  one  little 
ewe  lamb  over  again,  the  friend  treacherously  supplanting 
the  friend.  I  can't  help  loving  her,  but  I  can  help  being 
false  and  selfish.  And  I  think  we  undervalue  Charlie 
He  has  a  grandly  simple  nature,  the  unconsciously  noble, 
the  tender  sweetness  and  truth  of  a  woman.  I  don't  won- 
der that  a  man  would  love  to  have  him  near  when  he  came 
to  die ;  and  if  God  gava  her  to  him,  no  one  has  a  right  to 
tempt  her  away.  It  would  be  a  sin." 

"  But  if  God  did  not  give?     If  you  are  all  wrong?  " 

Rob  was  confused  and  troubled,  and  his  eyes  were  filled 
with  fear. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  291 

' '  It  has  the  semblance  of  giving.  Neither  you  nor  I 
have  the  right  to  remove  the  seal.  Jf  there  is  any  mis- 
take," and  his  voice  shook  visibly,  "  I  think  God  will  bring 
it  to  light,  and  I  am  going  to  stay  until  there  is  nothing 
more  to  tempt  me,  until  I  can  come  in  and  sit  down  by  their 
fireside,  a  true,  strong  friend,  and  look  them  both  in  the 
face  with  clear  eyes.  I  have  been  weak." 

' '  I  could  n't  do  it  if  I  loved  a  woman  as  you  love 
Kathie."  The  words  seemed  almost  wrested  from  Rob. 

"  When  you  come  to  love  a  woman  placed  out  of  your 
reach,"  and  then  he  remembered  the  chain  that  might  last 
for  a  lifetime,  "  you  will  go  to  God,  then,  Rob,  for  noth- 
ing else  will  be  strong  enough  to  save  you." 

Bruce  dropped  back  on  the  pillow,  deadly  white,  and 
shivered  as  if  chilled  through.  Rob  chafed  the  hands. 

"  You  are  a  loyal  friend,  Rob,"  said  the  other,  '•  and  you 
must  be  true  to  the  end.  Promise  me  that  you  will  never 
disturb  Kathie's  faith,  their  faith.  Keep  my  secret ;  oth- 
erwise you  may  hurt  and  hinder  some  fine,  choice  work  of 
God." 

Rob  winked  the  tears  out  of  his  eyes,  but  did  not  speak 
until  Bruce  said  again,  "  Promise." 

Then  he  bent  over  and  kissed  him,  and  was  still  sit- 
ting quietly  beside  him  when  the  General  entered. 

The  ladies  said  their  good-byes  at  the  house  the  next 
morning,  but  Rob  and  his  uncle  went  down  to  see  the 
travellers  off.  Mrs.  Alston  had  a  few  articles  to  pack  up, 
and  some  boxed  to  send  to  Brookside.  Rob  was  relegated 
to  Mr.  Meredith's  care.  Charlie  was  to  go  on  with  his 
work,  and  when  Kathie  was  quite  rested  up  they  would 
talk  over  matters. 

So  Kathie  returned  to  Cedarwood  with  her  mother. 
There  seemed  a  little  lull  in  merry-making.  Georgie  Hal- 
ford  was  married  and  gone.  Mrs.  Hunsdon  had  a  won- 
derful baby.  Eugene  Collamore  was  coming  to  a  graver 
and  higher  manhood,  and,  like  Bruce,  putting  away  the 


292  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

joy  that  was  not  for  him.  A  more  serious  tone  seemed 
settling  over  the  young  people.  Kathie  had  hours  of  quiet 
revery,  long  walks  by  herself,  from  which  she  sometimes 
came  in  with  a  curiously  disturbed  face.  It  seemed  as  if 
there  had  never  been  time  to  think  of  herself  until  now. 

A  very  quiet  summer  it  proved.     They  heard  from  the 
voyagers,  and  all  was  well.     What  was  to  come  next? 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE  period  had  at  length  reached  Kathie  Alston  when 
the  personal  responsibility  of  living  could  no  longer  be 
evaded.  The  happy  childhood,  full  of  love,  the  bright, 
radiant  youth,  with  friends  and  counsel  on  every  side,  ten- 
derest  care  bridging  over  the  rough  places,  wise  thoughts 
smooothing  out  little  perplexities,  until  now,  when  she 
must  make  the  great  decision  for  herself. 

What  had  changed  the  placid  current,  what  troubled  her 
with  importunate  asking?  Why  she  should  not  go  forward 
gladly  to  the  new  life  ?  The  ' l  girls  "  each  in  her  time  had 
been  so  happy,  so  full  of  little  palpitant  joys  that  shone 
in  their  eyes,  trembled  on  their  lips,  and  fluttered  up  and 
down  broken,  incoherent  sentences.  She  was  grave  and 
calm  when  she  talked  with  Charlie  about  his  work ;  they 
jo}-ed  over  the  pleasant  happenings  to  their  friends  ;  they 
took  pride  in  Rob.  In  all  these  things  they  could  stand 
side  by  side.  But  when  it  came  to  the  more  intimate  life, 
the  "  thou  and  I,"  she  drew  back  with  a  shiver  as  if  some 
phantom  looked  out  at  her  with  fearful  eyes. 

One  summer  night,  when  she  sat  holding  Bertie  asleep 
in  her  arms,  loath  to  lay  the  sweet  little  thing  in  her  bed, 
they  talked  about  Rob. 

"  Uncle,"  she  said,  "  if  it  had  been  merely  an  engage- 
ment, would  Rob  have  been  right  in  giving  it  up  ? ' 

"I  think  he  would,  if  his  family  had  advised  such  a 
thing.  I  am  not  a  believer  in  very  young  engagements. 
A  fancy  can  take  time  to  grow  into  strength  and  richness, 
to  reach  out  to  a  glad  and  hopeful  awaiting  of  all  that  is 


294  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

best,  even  where  all  is  right  and  proper.  But  it  seems  to 
me  a  young  man  owes  it  to  his  famity  not  to  choose  or 
bring  any  one  in  their  midst  who  will  make  disunion,  or 
shame,  or  sorrow.  And  the  same  with  a  girl.  I  am  not 
speaking  now  of  unreasonable  objections.  If  Miss  Weeks 
had  been  a  proper  sort  of  person  to  marry,  we  should 
have  received  her,  and  still  thought  Rob  unwise  or  injudi- 
cious. If  he  had  been  engaged  and  learned  any  shameful 
secret  about  her  or  her  family  that  had  been  purposely 
kept  from  him,  he  would  have  been  justified  in  giving  her 
up." 

"  Suppose  she  had  been  —  suppose  he  had  tired  of  her, 
and  she  had  loved  him  very  much  ?  " 

"  Those  are  hard  cases,  little  Kathie.  /should  give  up 
a  woman  who  did  not  love  me,  no  matter  how  much  I 
cared  for  her,  but  if  the  case  were  reversed  I  think  she 
would  have  the  right  to  hold  me  to  my  promise.  It  would 
be  my  duty  to  love  her  all  I  could,  to  honor  her,  and  make 
her  life  happy.  I  would  have  no  right  to  throw  back  a 
heart  I  had  tried  to  win,  and  I  ought  to  accept  the  result 
of  my  thoughtlessness." 

She  made  no  answer,  but  presently  rose  and  carried 
Bertie  up-stairs,  laying  her  softly  in  her  daint}-  crib.  If 
she  could  stay  here  always  and  watch  this  little  girl  as  her 
mother  had  watched  her !  Why  did  she  not  want  to  go  ? 

Did  she  love  Charlie  Darrell  with  the  great,  true,  honest 
love  of  womanhood?  She  would  have  to  answer  the 
question  to  him  shortly  ;  she  must  ask  it  of  herself. 

There  was  no  moon,  but  the  stars  were  coming  out 
slowly,  rims  of  gold  in  the  pure  blue  ether.  How  wonder- 
ful the  world  was  !  How  strange  it  was  to  live,  to  do,  to 
suffer,  and  make  others  suffer.  She  leaned  her  soft  chin 
on  her  folded  arms  and  glanced  out  as  she  knelt  at  the 
window,  and  the  fragrant  air  toyed  among  her  soft  curls 
and  soothed  her  throbbing  temples.  What  was  love? 
She  had  read  about  it  in  romances,  she  had  seen  its  fruit 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  295 

in  real  life.  Could  anybody  make  a  palpable  thing  of  the 
grace  of  God  ?  And  had  not  the  mystery  of  human  love 
been  likened  to  that  great  mystery?  "  If  a  man  love  not 
his  brother  whom  he  hath  seen,  how  shall  he  love  God 
whom  he  hath  not  seen  ?  " 

Did  she  love?  Yes,  in  a  relative  sense.  She  could 
go  out  in  any  field  and  work  side  by  side  with  Charlie 
Darrell,  she  could  even  keep  his  house  as  a  sister  might, 
but  all  that  sweet  interchange  of  heart,  —  no,  she  had  not 
been  shown  the  mystery.  Wiry  not,  when  she  had  prayed 
and  striven  to  learn?  Not  endeavored  to  win,  — she  was 
guiltless  there.  She  had  not  dreamed  that  night  of  what 
he  was  going  to  say,  any  more  than  she  could  have 
imagined  Eugene  Collamore's  love.  Why  was  she  so  sure 
in  the  one  case,  and  so  at  fault  in  the  other?  And  having 
promised,  would  it  be  her  duty  to  go  on,  to  honor  him  and 
make  his  life  happy?  She  could  make  him  happy,  a  bitter 
knowledge.  If  both  were  tired,  or  had  outgrown  it,  but 
there  had  never  been  anything  to  outgrow.  She  remem- 
bered back  in  the  old  school  days,  when  all  the  children 
were  telling  what  they  were  going  to  wear  to  Charlie's 
party,  and  she  had  nothing  but  her  simple  Sunday  dress, 
how  he  had  taken  her  part  in  their  teasing,  and  cared  for 
her,  and  how  in  her  mind  he  had  surpassed  the  rest.  There 
was  something  that  held  him  higher  than  all  others  now, 
he  would  always  be  the  Sir  Galahad  in  the  quest  of  the 
Holy  Grail.  Perhaps  this  was  wiry  he  seemed  above  every- 
day fancies  ;  but  why,  then^could  she  not  reach  up  to  his 
height  ? 

Could  she  not  learn  ?  Ah,  if  she  had  not  learned  in  two 
years,  was  there  not  some  fatal  blindness  or  hardness  of 
heart  ? 

She  had  never  been  used  to  trying  on  loves.  She  had 
never  speculated  how  it  would  seem  to  be  dear  to  this  one 
or  that  one.  She  had  been  dear  to  everybody.  Was  it 
because  she  had  had  so  much  love?  She  felt  humbled, 
gelf-rebuked.  The  slow  tears  gathered  in  her  eyes. 


296  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  Kathie,"  called  the  kindly  voice,  "do  you  want  to 
walkover  to  Mrs.  Adams's  with  me?  I  promised  youi 
mother  I  would  come  for  her." 

"  Yes,"  she  answered  down  the  stairway,  and  went  for 
her  hat. 

She  seemed  to  be  growing  so  womanly  in  these  days, 
Uncle  Robert  thought ;  yet  he  was  not  quite  at  ease  about 
her.  He  had  wondered  a  little  when  Bruce  first  went 
away.  Everybody  had  kept  the  secret  well,  yet  some- 
times he  had  fancied  there  was  a  secret.  Not  with  her, 
though.  The  clear,  untroubled  eyes  could  not  have  hidden 
that. 

He  meant  to  continue  the  talk  about  Rob,  but  she  took 
up  quite  another  topic.  Her  voice  had  a  clear  coolness  ; 
she  was  not  in  the  stress  of  agitation.  The  trouble  was 
that  she  did  keep  so  outside  of  it. 

Rob  and  Charlie  came  down  on  Saturday,  the  latter  for 
a  brief  vacation,  as  he  was  quite  tired  out.  Was  it  her 
fault,  she  asked  herself,  that  he  was  in  all  this  depth  of 
misery,  and  care,  and  suffering.  The  pleasant,  restful 
home  he  had  given  up,  and  yet  this  work  was  nobler. 

Rob  seemed  a  little  restless,  too,  some  wa}',  and  rambled 
off  by  himself  Sunday  afternoon.  Fred  was  planning  a 
journey  to  the  White  Mountains. 

"  Can't  }TOU  get  a  week  off  and  go  with  him,  Robert? 
asked  his  uncle.  "  Would  n't  you  like  it?  " 

"Like  it!  Why,  it  would  be  royal.  You  think  I 
might? "  And  he  gave  a  quick,  delighted  glance. 

"  I  dare  say  you.  will  have  years  enough  for  work." 

"  But  I  should  like  to  go  on  Wednesday,"  said  Fred. 
"How  will  that  suit?" 

"  Well,  I  can  telegraph  to  you.  I  think  there  will  be 
no  doubt  about  my  going,  though." 

The  telegram  came  in  due  time. 

' '  Is  n't  it  odd  ?  "  said  Kathie  on  Monda}'  evening ;  "  Mrs. 
Collamore  and  Fay  are  going  to  the  White  Mountains. 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  297 

Eugene  goes  to  Boston  for  several  days,  and  then  joins 
them." 

"  Jolly  !  "  declared  Fred,  "  I  '11  see  Eugene.  He  is  a 
capital  good  fellow  for  a  tramp,  and  I  would  like  to  be  in 
Boston  with  him.  Rob  won't  mind,  I  guess." 

They  all  went,  and  Kathie  was  left  alone  with  her  lover, 
without  even  Fay's  brief  calls  to  break  the  daily  round. 
Bertie  was  a  bright,  winsome  little  mischief,  and  she 
amused  Charlie  greatly  and  seemed  to  take  away  any 
sense  of  awkwardness  between  him  and  Kathie.  But 
there  were  long  evenings,  there  were  walks  she  could  not 
refuse,  there  were  talks,  coming  nearer  and  nearer,  that 
filled  her  with  a  blind,  dull  terror,  as  if  she  had  no  strength 
to  fly,  and  could  not  see  the  way  if  she  had.  And  then 
she  tried  to  make  herself  quite  content.  She  had  taken 
the  life  in  her  hands  hoping,  meaning  honestly  to  do  some- 
thing with  it,  and  now  had  she  any  right  to  thrust  it  out 
of  hers  after  having  allowed  it  to  grow  alongside  ? 

It  came  to  him  presently  that  she  was  not  her  olden, 
joyous  self.  She  had  been  so  bright  and  happy  all  winter, 
and  now,  when  nature  was  all  astir  with  life,  her  gravity 
seemed  amiss,  the  little  distance  such  a  wide,  wide  thing. 

"Kathie,"  he  said  one  evening,  "let  us  talk  of  our- 
selves, our  own  lives.  Are  we  coming  nearer  the  time 
that  should  be  to  us  a  great  joy  ?  I  am  not  impatient,  but 
yet  it  is  something  to  think  of.  I  should  like  to  know 
where  }Tou  would  choose  it,  what  kind  of  a  home  or  work. 
Have  we  lost  our  first  glad  ideal?  " 

He  reached  over  and  took  her  hand.  It  was  cold  and 
trembled  in  his. 

"  Kathie?"     There  was  a  vague  wonder  in  his  tone. 

She  must  speak.  She  could  not  go  on  without  trying 
to  rectify  the  mistake,  if  it  were  that,  or  the  wrong,  if  she 
had  fallen  into  one. 

"  You  know  what  I  said  that  night  last  spring,"  —  and 
her  voice  had  a  strained  sound,  even,  —  "  if  we  were  quite 


298  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

sure  —  if  there  was  no  mistake  ?  Are  our  lives  the  two  to 
be  set  together  in  God's  sight  ?  I  have  been  considering  ; 
it  troubles  me  so." 

She  wanted  to  lean  her  head  down  on  his  shoulder  and 
cry.  He  was  her  nearest  friend,  save  Uncle  Robert.  It 
always  had  been  so. 

"Kathie,  you  do  not  mean,  you  cannot  mean  that  our 
love  —  " 

"  I  think  that  your  love  is  true,  and  sweet,  and  strong 
in  its  perfect  honesty.  I  feel  as  if  it  were  too  holy  a  thing 
for  me  to  take." 

"  But  it  is  not.  0  Kathie,  you  surely  have  no  fool- 
ishly exalted  idea  —  " 

"  Let  me  tell  you  all,"  she  interrupted,  "  and  you  shall 
be  the  judge.  You  only  have  the  right.  When  you  spoke 
that  summer  night,  two  years  ago,  I  only  felt  that  all  my 
life  I  had  loved  you,  with  a  child's  love,  it  was  true.  Some 
one  else  had  asked  me,"  and  her  voice  faltered,  "and  be- 
cause I  had  shrunk  away  then,  and  did  not  now,  because 
it  seemed  such  a  lovety  thing,  and  did  not  surprise  me,  I  — 
Did  I  drift  into  it  unthinkingly  ?  It  is  alwaj's  so  vague  to 
me,  like  the  music  heard  in  a  dream.  Mamma  was 
pleased." 

"  Kathie,"  there  was  an  almost  breathless  halt  in  his 
tone,  "  was  it  Bruce?  " 

"Bruce!  No,"  she  cried  sharply,  as  if  some  quick 
pang  had  pierced  her. 

"  I  can  guess  ;  Eugene.  But  if  you  did  not  love  him, 
and  knew  it,  could  you  not  judge?  " 

"  I  had  loved  you.  I  did  not  know.  It  is  all  sore 
confusion  in  my  mind,  as  if  I  had  stopped  with  the 
child's  love,  somehow,  and  never  could  grow  to  anything 
greater." 

"  But  I  will  take  the  child's  love.  I  will  trust  it  to 
grow,  to  thrive  on  the  tenderness  I  shall  bring,"  he  cried, 
drawing  her  nearer  to  him. 


WHOM  KATHIE    MARRIED.  299 

It  was  the  same  as  in  years  agone.  She  was  as  dear  to 
him  then  in  her  school  dress  as  in  the  pretty  silk  ;  she  was 
as  dear  now  in  the  old  love.  But  how  could  she  pro- 
fane God's  sacrament  with  it,  so  poor  a  thing  to  be  offered 
on  so  high  an  altar?  And  how  could  she  make  him  under- 
stand, without  too  great  a  pain  ?  She  was  not  sure  she 
wanted  to  be  given  up  ;  but  to  be  set  straight,  some  way, 
to  see  her  duty  clearly,  to  be  shown  the  path  wherein  she 
must  walk. 

"  Kathie,"  he  began  slowly,  but  the  tone  was  one  of 
great,  searching  inquiry,  "  is  there  any  other  thought,  or 
what  might  be  a  half-hidden  hope  ;  any  love  refused  to 
yourself,  that  might  come  with  an  asking  ? " 

' '  There  never  was  up  to  that  time ;  and  if  anything 
came  afterward,  I  would  have  no  right —  "  in  a  tone  of 
unflinching  honesty. 

"Was  there  anything  put  away  between  her  and  Bruce  ? 
He  could  not  ask  it  quite  like  that. 

"  No  word  with  a  meaning,  Kathie,  that  might  have 
been  answered  differently  if  you  had  been  free?  " 

She  could  answer  clearly,  and  she  was  proud  to  do  it. 
Not  a  word  or  look  on  Bruce's  part  returned  with  any  mis-, 
giving. 

"  Then  I  think  you  have  been  vexing  your  gentle  soul 
with  some  high  ideals,  and  because  you  cannot  make 
everything  fit  the  pure  and  perfect  picture  you  feel 
nothing  should  be  there.  But  there  is  a  good  deal  of 
every-day  to  life,  —  six  days  to  the  one  Sunday,  you  know," 
with  the  tender,  encouraging  smile  lighting  up  his  face. 
"  So  many  plain  and  common  things,  keeping  a  house  clean, 
eating,  resting,  talking  6ver  the  A  B  C's  to  people  who 
never  can  get  beyond  them,  to  the  great  sentences.  You 
have  been  doing  this  always,  and  we  can't  put  it  out  of 
the  new  state  any  more  than  the  old.  I  suppose  it  is  natural 
to  idealize  a  clergyman's  life,  and  yet  it  is  not  all  up  in  the 
mountains  of  joy  with  God.  Are  you  not  desiring  to  be 


300  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

there,  to  have  the  assurance  perfect,  so  there  shall  not. 
even  be  a  shadow  ?  " 

Was  she  asking  too  much? 

*'  I  ought  to  be  glad  to  come  to  you,"  she  said  out  of 
her  high,  self-judging  mood.  "  I  can  think  of  the  work, 
of  the  trials,  and  they  do  not  alarm,  but  to  go  into  an- 
other life,  to  hold  it  reverently,  tenderly,  so  that  no  bruise 
or  wound  shall  ever  come  to  it,  to  desire  this  —  " 

"  You  have  not  quite  come  to  the  desire?"  If  there 
was  a  little  ache  he  kept  it  out  of  his  voice.  "  I  do  not 
wonder  at  that ;  I  can  readily  understand  it.  Your  life 
has  been  so  full  and  rich  that  you  have  felt  no  need  of  the 
shelter  of  love,  no  lack,  and  it  is  hard  to  go  out  of  this 
little  Paradise.  You  have  been  hedged  about  with  all  the 
blooms  of  care  and  affection,  and  you  have  a  mind  of  such 
sweet  content  that  you  don't  care  to  stray  out  of  your 
pasture.  Kathie,  darling,  I  think  it  is  that  you  are  not 
quite  ready  for  love.  Don't  trouble  or  worry  any  more.  I 
can  wait  until  the  time  comes.  It  will  come,  I  am  sure." 

She  drew  a  long  breath.  She  knew  how  a  man  felt  who 
had  been  reprieved  from  a  terrible  doom.  Yet  she  told 
herself  she  had  no  right  to  experience  this  relief. 

"  And  we  are  both  young.  I  like  my  work  ;  I  am  not 
«ure  but  it  would  please  me  best  to  remain  in  it  another 
year.  We  can  wait  and  see.  You  shall  belong  to  Uncle 
Robert  until  you  do  want  to  give  yourself  to  me." 

There  was  a  great  revulsion  in  her  soul.  She  loved  him 
with  the  old  love  again,  and  was  at  peace.  He  read  it  in 
the  clear,  exultant  tone  of  her  voice  when  she  spoke. 

Yet  to  the  man  was  coming  a  larger  outlook  than  had 
been  visible  to  the  boy's  eyes.  There  were  so  many  deli- 
cate mixed  motives,  so  many  surprising  conclusions  to  the 
impressions  one  had  felt  quite  sure  about.  The  hidden 
meanings  must  all  prove  themselves  before  one  could  hold 
fast. 

The   old  tranquil   happiness    returned  to  them. 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  301 

did  not  worry  at  the  wound  to  see  if  it  was  healing.  If 
there  was  to  be  any  change  from  the  old  interest  it  must 
come  from  clear  seeing. 

Uncle  Robert  understood  that  the  something  had  been 
made  up  or  laid  aside.  There  was  no  word  about  a  mar- 
riage. 

Once  Mrs.  Alston  said,  "  Kathie,  do  you  think  it  was  a 
wise  thing  to  give  up  that  lovely  parish  of  Edgewater? 
Mrs.  Treherne  has  a  sister  living  there,  and  she  says  the 
church  society  is  delightful,  and  the  house  a  perfect  gem. 
Charlie  is  so  refined  and  cultivated  that  I  should  fancy  it 
would  have  just  suited  him." 

"  He  decided  himself,"  in   a  gentle,  apologizing  tone. 
"  But  the  home  will  be  a  great  deal  to  }-ou?" 
"  I  am  not  homeless,  though."    And  she  ran   to  catch 
Bertie,  who  was  trailing  over  the  flower  beds. 

The  boys  returned,  brimming  over  with  enthusiasm,  and 
for  a  few  days  the  house  was  quite  as  of  yore.  Even  Rob 
admitted  that  Eugene  Collamore  was  a  capital  good 
fellow,  and  asked  him  over  to  tea,  which  invitation  some- 
how was  made  to  include  Mrs.  Collamore  and  Fay. 

"  It  was  so  delightful  to  have  your  two  boys,"  Mrs. 
Collamore  said  to  Mrs.  Alston.  "  I  have  alwaj'S  wished 
Eugene  had  a  brother.  He  admires  Robert  so  very  much, 
and  I  don't  see  how  one  could  help  feeling  proud  of  him, 
and  Fred  is  a  real  mother  boy.  It  will  do  the  young 
people  good  to  be  together,  for  we  think  Eugene  rather 
too  grave  for  his  years." 

They  all  knew  Rob's  story.  Mrs.  Alston,  too,  under- 
stood what  could  never  be,  and  bridged  over  her  longing 
with  delicate,  motherly  ways  that  accepted  the  hard  fact 
of  fate. 

Fred  Lauriston  had  stayed  four  years  in  South  America, 
instead  of  three,  and  brought  home  with  him  a  pretty,  dark- 
eyed  wife,  whose  gift  of  music  and  piquante  brilliancy 
attracted  them  all.  Rob's  Sunday  at  home  was  the  great 


302  WHOM  KATHIE    MARRIED. 

treat  of  his  life,  and  Saturday  evening  there  was  always 
some  social  engagement  for  him.  He  could  not  help 
being  very  happy,  and  no  one  felt  quite  like  checking  the 
exuberance. 

A  long,  glowing  autumn  that  went  almost  up  to  Christ- 
mas, with  little  incidents,  but  no  great  event.  Comings 
and  goings,  friendly  neighborhood  life,  musical  evenings, 
often  on  Saturday  night,  intellectual  gatherings,  interest 
in  churches  and  charities,  and  homes  for  the  poor ;  there 
were  few  outcasts  in  Brookside. 

Fred  Lauriston  obtained  a  fine  position  in  the  city,  and 
added  one  more  to  the  group  of  friends.  Emma  was  de- 
lighted and  happy  with  the  pictures  and  little  son  added  to 
her  household. 

Just  after  Christmas  another  offer  came  to  Charlie  Dar- 
rell :  the  assistantship  in  a  church  whose  rector  was  his 
warm,  admiring  friend,  and  not  less  earnest  in  mission 
work  than  the  young  man. 

Rob  brought  the  tidings  first. 

"  I  hope  he  will  take  it,"  was  the  earnest  exclamation. 
"  The  salary  is  very  fair,  and  Charlie  has  some  means  of 
his  own,  so  you  won't  be  reduced  to  a  meal  a  day,  Miss 
Kathie  ;  but  I  do  not  believe  he  could  be  induced  to  leave 
the  other  work.  You  would  be  surprised  to  see  the  influ- 
ence he  has  over  those  half-drunken  wretches';  and  he 
never  puts  himself  down  to  any  lower  level.  He  seems 
just  to  draw  them  up  to  himself.*  I  don't  understand." 

No,  he  had  not  come  to  the  understanding  yet. 

Kathie  waited  for  her  letter.  She  had  not  been  to  the 
city  all  the  fall,  and,  though  strongly  urged  by  Jessie  to 
come  for  Christmas,  found  herself  too  deeply  engrossed  with 
home  affairs. 

Deeply  engrossed,  also,  with  herself,  searching,  asking, 
comparing,  with  greai  humility.  She  did  not  truly  know 
of  anything  else  she  wanted,  and  a  less  conscientious 
woman  would  have  resolved  once  for  all,  would  have  taken, 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  303 

and  lived  it  out  afterward.  Another  lover  might  have 
urged,  hastened.  He  was  too  noble  to  be  satisfied  with 
anything  less  than  her  perfect  giving;  he  had  seen  so 
many  mistakes  already.  He  could  satisfy  himself  in  mak- 
ing her  happy ;  but  if  he  could  not  satisfy  her?  And  with 
her  the  case  was  reversed. 

She  could  come  no  nearer.  Sometimes  for  a  few  days 
she  said  she  did,  then  fell  back  to  comradeship.  The  very 
calmness  of  the  awaiting  startled  her,  as  if,  somehow,  the 
end  was  planned  from  the  beginning,  and  she  had  to  go  on 
before  she  could  see. 

Yet  it  gave  her  quite  a  thrill  of  joy  when  Charlie  wrote 
that  he  had  accepted,  and  found  much  pleasure  promised  in 
all  that  pertained  to  it. 

He  had  not  appealed  to  her  this  time  for  a  decision 
Something  had  moved  him  to  a  clear  certainty. 

She  had  been  reading  her  letter  in  the  library.  Uncle 
Robert  was  in  his  arm-chair  beside  the  glowing  grate  fire, 
a  little  indisposed  with  a  cold.  He  watched  her  face  light- 
ing up,  the  satisfaction  that  shone  a  moment  in  her  eyes. 

"  It  is  good  news  ? "  he  said  in  soft  inquiry. 

"  I  think  it  is  good.  Charlie  is  so  satisfied  about  the 
position.  He  has  taken  it.  I  am  glad,  for  now  he  seems 
to  have  a  friend  and  a  home." 

"A  home?"  There  was  a  grave,  questioning  smile. 
Mr.  Conover  leaned  back  in  his  chair,  studying  the  young 
face. 

"  My  little  girl,"  he  began,  "  have  you  no  confidence  for 
me  ?  It  seems  so  long  since  —  and  I  am  a  rather  jealous 
old  fellow.  Is  there  to  be  a  home  for  two  ?  " 

The  old,  grave  expression  returned.  She  came  and 
seated  herself  on  the  footstool  and  put  both  her  hands  in 
his. 

"  I  have  been  trying  to  decide,"  and  the  voice  had  an  un- 
dercurrent of  tremulousness  in  it,  "  what  I  must  do,  what 
is  best  and  right.  It  has  perplexed  me  sorely,  but  I  have 


304  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

been  keeping  it  between  God  and  my  own  soul.  Uncle 
Robert,  is  it  right  to  marry  a  man  with  anything  less  than 
the  greatest  love  ?  " 

She  did  not  know  how  much  of  her  soul  she  put  unwit- 
tingl}-  into  her  eyes.  It  was,  then,  as  he  had  feared.  Oh, 
sad,  sad  mistake ! 

"Kathie!" 

She  buried  her  face  in  her  hands  on  his  knee. 

"  I  am  not  going  to  blame,  my  child ;  so  let  us  look  at 
the  trouble  calmly." 

She  gave  a  long  sigh,  but  she  was  not  crying. 

"  How  did  j'ou  come  to  find  out  this  mistake?" 

"  I  can't  quite  tell.  I  feel  now  as  if  I  had  been  trjnng 
all  the  time  to  fit  mj-self  where  I  did  not  entirely  belong, 
but  where  I  wanted  to  belong.  And  I  cannot  get  in  to  the 
very  heart  of  things.  It  has  all  been  sweet,  and  tender, 
and  lovely.  I  think  I  must  be  wicked,  or  hard-hearted,  or 
cold.  Do  you  suppose  there  ever  was  any  one,  a  woman 
I  mean,  capable  of  friendship  only  ?" 

Her  face,  as  she  raised  it  now,  was  full  of  such  simple, 
genuine  distress,  that,  though  he  bowed  to  kiss  it,  he 
smiled. 

' '  How  can  she  tell  if  she  never  compared  it  with  a  love  ?  " 

There  was  no  color,  no  dropping  of  the  eyes. 

"  I  don't  quite  understand,"  she  answered  slowly.  "  If 
everything  had  been  friendship,  and  they  were  all  alike  —  " 

She  was  innocent  then  of  any  double  meaning  in  her 
soul. 

"I  am  afraid  friendship  is  not  quite  the  foundation- 
stone  for  marriage,  although  excellent  structures  have 
been  reared  upon  it.  I  cannot  tell  why,  yet  I  have  felt 
afraid  of  this  from  the  very  first,  that  you  did  not  know 
your  own  heart  sufficiently.  You  were  too  young." 

"  Yet,  why  could  I  not  grow  into  it?  I  have  tried,  so 
hard.  And  now  what  ought  I  to  do?  For  the  heart  I 
have  taken  is  all  mine.  How  can  I  reward  it  with  a 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  305 

love?  And  yet  how  dare  I  give  it  up?  Will  not  the  pain 
of  his  life  be  as  great  a  suffering  in  God's  sight  as  any  pain 
of  mine?  Ought  I  not  use  my  utmost  endeavor?" 

The  tears  gathered  then  and  beaded  her  long  lashes. 

"My  dear,"  he  said  gently,  "  go  over  it  from  the  begin- 
ning, the  first  doubt." 

She  had  not  been  much  given  to  introspection.  He 
could  see  the  surprise  to  herself  when  the  truth  had 
dawned  upon  her  slowly,  at  no  precise  epoch,  but  made 
itself  manifest  at  length.  The  tender  conscience  had 
striven  up  to  every  point  of  duty.  There  has  been  no 
going  after  forbidden  gods.  And,  though  there  was  sor- 
xow  and  penitence,  there  was  no  shame. 

"It  is  because  I  know  what  it  will  be  to  him,"  she 
cried,  with  remorseful  tenderness.  "  He  loves  me  so !  He 
would  take  the  half-love  and  be  content,  trusting  for  it  to 
grow  and  blossom.  How  can  I  make  myself  fit  and 
worthy  ?  What  must  I  do  ?  " 

She  asked  it  in  all  earnestness.  He  knew  how  reso- 
lutely she  would  go  at  her  task  if  he  decided  it  was  her 
duty,  but  she  could  do  no  more  than  she  had  alread}T  done 
out  of  her  pure  heart.  It  was  a  sad  mistake  for  both. 
He  seemed  almost  unable  to  counsel. 

"  There  is  only  one  thing,"  he  said  presently  ;  "  waiting. 
Some  light  may  come.  But  it  would  be  a  sin  to  marry 
this  way,  unless  it  were  an  expiation.  If  you  had  tried 
for  this  love,  if  you  had  detached  it  from  some  other  joy 
It  might  have  had,  you  would  owe  it  a  solemn  duty.  Such 
debts  have  been  paid,  and  the  soul  has  come  to  a  higher 
living  through  sacrifice.  But  I  cannot  see  that  this  would 
be  your  duty." 

She  was  weeping  softly  now.  What  havoc  these  young 
people  had  made  with  their  lives  ! 

But  he  comforted  her  and  bade  her  be  patient  with  what 
was  to  come.  The  way  would  be  made  plain. 

Charlie  DarreU  waited  as  well.  If  this  would  bring  her 
20 


306  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

nearer ;  if  the  outgrowth  of  it  all  could  be  such  love  as  a 
man  had  a  right  to  expect!  But  her  answer,  touching 
and  tender  as  it  was,  gave  him  no  thread  for  a  nearer 
hope. 

What  if  it  was  a  greater  thing  than  a  love  to  hold  for 
his  own  comforting  and  delight,  —  a  love  to  give  away  some 
time? 

He  said  at  first,  as  youth  is  prone  to  cry  out  in  the  dark- 
ness and  sense  of  bitter  loss,  that  he  could  not,  that  God 
would  not  have  placed  this  lovely  blossom  in  his  garden 
only  to  be  transplanted.  Some  other  thing,  some  other 
cross  to  bear ;  another  duty  to  test  his  ready  obedience, 
not  the  sacrifice  of  the  first  dear  object. 

But  she  gave  no  sign  of  drawing  nearer.  Tender,  sym- 
pathetic, interested,  saying  so  many  comforting  things  to 
make  up  for  the  loss  of  the  one  thing  she  could  not  say  in 
highest  truth  to  herself.  He  read  through  the  lines  as 
well,  missing  keenly  what  was  not  there. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

*•  ROBERT,"  Mrs.  Conover  said  one  evening,  as  she  sal 
sewing  some  dainty  trifle  for  baby  Bertie,  who  had  come  to 
be  a  gieat  favorite  with  her  grandmother,  "  have  you  any 
idea  that  matters  are  not  quite  as  they  should  be  between 
Charlie  and  Kathie  ?  " 

Mr.  Conover  glanced  up  from  his  book,  then  down  again, 
rather  perplexed  for  an  answer. 

' '  I  fancy  something  is  wrong.  Kathie  will  not  talk 
about  it,  but  seems  to  evade  it  at  every  turn.  I  think," 
in  a  slightly  wounded  tone,  "  I  am  entitled  to  my  child's 
confidence  in  this  matter.  Has  she  said  anj'thing  to  you  ?  " 

"  We  discussed  a  few  points  of  duty,  one  morning,"  in 
a  slow  tone.  It  was  a  delicate  matter.  He  could  see  just 
the  lack  of  fine  agreement  on  which  Kathie  and  her  mother 
would  miss. 

"  She  has  grown  so  —  so  different ;  I  should  say  grave, 
only  she  is  bright  and  interested  in  all  other  matters.  Yet 
a  young  girl's  marriage  one  would  think  might  be  a  great 
event  to  her,  touching,  as  it  does,  all  the  deep  chords  of  the 
soul." 

"It  will  be  to  her." 

He  was  thinking  how  he  could  smooth  the  way  for  his 
darling,  for  he  could  fores.ee  there  would  be  rough  places. 

"  Has  it  been  put  off  for  any  cause?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,  Dora,  that  they  have  come  near  the 
real  thing,  the  marriage." 

"  But  Charlie  is  settled,  as  one  may  say.  And  he  could 
have  been  before  if  Kathie  had  cared." 


308  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

It  must  come  some  time  The  mother  would  be  sadly 
hurt,  angered,  perhaps.  Since  the  engagement,  and  the 
coming  of  baby  Bertie,  she  had  held  her  own  child  with 
a  loose  clasp,  so  to  speak,  ready  to  transfer  her  rights  to 
another,  the  other  she  loved  so  well. 

"  I  believe  the  young  people  have  made  a  mistake,  and 
time  only  can  right  it.  I  was  a  little  afraid  from  the 
beginning." 

"The  engagement  is  not  broken?"  Mrs.  Alston  let 
her  work  fall,  and  her  hands  held  themselves  nerveless, 
while  varied  expressions  seemed  to  flash  over  her  face. 

"  The  engagement  stands  just  as  it  did,  for  aught  I 
know.  But  it  seems  to  me  Kathie  is  coming  no  nearer 
the  vital  joy  and  anticipation.  I  doubt  if  she  is  as  near  as 
on  that  first  night.  I  suppose  the  question  with  her,  with 
any  thoughtful  person,  would  be  whether  this  is  the  love 
with  which  to  prove  a  lifetime,  to  make  the  sum  of  all  joys 
come  right." 

"  You  never  did  cordially  like  it,  Robert,  and  you  will 
encourage  her  to  give  it  up.  Why,  T  wonder?  "  And  the 
tears  stood  in  Mrs.  Alston's  eyes. 

"My  dear  Dora,  you  are  mistaken  in  some  points.  I 
was  surprised,  and  a  little  afraid  that  it  might  be  nearness, 
the  tender  feeling  of  the  boy  and  girl  who  had  always  been 
friends,  and  whose  hopes,  beliefs,  and  aims  were  much 
alike.  I  think  she  could  choose  no  better  man  if  she 
searched  the  world  over.  And  if  it  had  gone  on  to  com- 
plete fruition  —  " 

"You  don't  think  the  winter  with  Aunt  Ruth,  with 
Bruce,  changed  anything?"  she  interrupted. 

"  I  do  not  think  it  consciously  changed  anything.  J  do 
not  believe  Kathie  has  any  thought  of  Bruce  in  her  heart 
that  she  could  not  show  the  whole  world,  and  if  Bruce 
cared  deeply  he  kept  his  feelings  well  under  control. 
Besides,  he  grew  very  fond  of  Charlie  ;  but  we  will  let  all 
that  alone.  The  only  point  to  be  considered  is,  whether 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  309 

Kathie  loves  Charlie  sufficiently  to  maKe  a  happy,  con- 
tented marriage." 

"  But,  Robert,  are  these  feverish,  extravagant  loves  to 
be  preferred  ?  Look  at  poor  Rob's  sad  mistake  ;  yet  I  sup- 
pose he  thought  he  loved  Miss  Weeks  madly." 

"  I  have  no  more  faith  in  mad  loves,  certainly."  And  a 
rather  sad  smile  crossed  his  face. 

"What  do  you  want,  then?  What  does  Kathie  want?" 
she  asked  rather  sharpty. 

"  What  Kathie  wants  is  to  love  with  her  whole  heart  and 
soul,  which  she  has  not  done  yet.  Think  a  little  of  all  this 
time  of  probation.  Even  that  first  year  a  girl  in  love 
would  have  found  many  shy,  sweet  ways  of  seeing  her 
lover  alone  a  moment." 

"But  they  were  both  very  true  and  honest.  I  liked  it 
in  him,"  she  answered  decisively. 

"It  was  extremely  honorable  in  him.  Yet  we  should 
have  forgiven  Kathie  some  little  aside,  a  quick  blush,  or  a 
girl's  longing.  This  troubled  me,  I  must  confess.  And 
when  they  came  to  the  time  of  declared  lovers  it  was  just 
the  same.  They  are  near  and  tender  friends,  but  her  heart 
does  not  beat  or  her  pulse  quicken  when  he  comes.  No 
sweet,  tell-tale  blood  flushes  her  face.  There  is  no  steal- 
ing away  into  corners  for  a  word,  no  lingering  as  if  the 
moments  were  precious.  Dora,  go  back  to  your  own  girl- 
hood and  remember  what  it  was  to  you." 

Her  face  softened  and  a  delicate  flush  stole  over  it,  while 
the  eyes  drooped  almost  girlishly. 

"  But  Kathie  is  different." 

"  What  should  make  her  so  different?  She  is  a  sweet, 
fond,  ardent  girl,  quickly'  moved  by  her  emotions,  tender, 
responsive,  capable  of  much  that  is  highest  and  best  in 
life,  in  joy,  in  enduring  happiness.  Why  should  she  not 
taste  the  brimming  cup  of  that  sweet  satisfaction  ?  " 

"  And  if  she  should  be  deceived  in  her  ideal?  In  Char- 
lie she  cannot  be  deceived.  His  life  is  open,  and  pure,  and 


310  WHOM   KATIIIE    MARRIED. 

sacred.  Why  can  she  not  love  him  when  the  life  with  him 
would  suit  and  satisfy  ?  " 

"  I  suppose  a  woman  must  love  a  man  for  what  he  is  to 
her,  not  what  he  is  to  other  people.  Kathie  has  loved  her 
friend  all  her  life,  and  loves  him  still.  We  give  to  others 
the  measure  of  love  they  are  capable  of  creating  in  us. 
Why  is  it  that  some  will  kindle  in  you  a  fine  and  exalted 
enthusiasm,  and  }ret  you  never  quite  fuse  spirit  with  spirit. 
I  think  Kathie's  entire  nature  has  never  been  kindled.  She 
misses  in  some  dim  way  the  sacred  fire  on  the  altar.  Yet 
so  slightly  does  the  balance  vibrate  that  if  she  was  advised 
to  make  herself  content,  to  believe  this  were  all,  I  think 
she  would  act  unshrinkingly.  It  would  always  be  beside, 
never  within  the  holy  of  holies." 

"  But  if  she  had  married  him?  " 

"  She  would  grope  about  pained  and  confused  awhile, 
then  settle  herself  to  duty,  and  leave  the  perplexing  mys- 
teries to  be  cleared  up  at  the  last  day,  when  all  crooked 
things  are  made  straight.  It  is  just  here  where  she 
stands.  She  has  a  vague,  beautiful  vision  of  something. 
Shall  she  follow  it  until  the  angel  really  does  appear,  or 
shall  she  give  up  the  intangible  thing  here  and  now,  and 
take  the  duty  work  that  comes  first." 

"  But  Charlie,  does  no  one  think  of  him?  "  cried  Mrs. 
Alston,  with  a  pang.  "  Has  he,  too,  made  a  blind  and 
ignorant  mistake  ?  " 

"  She  thinks  of  him  constantly.  Instead  of  going  for- 
ward in  joyous  anticipation  natural  to  one  so  3'ouug,  she 
halts  in  fear  lest  she  shall  pain  him  as  much  if  she  takes 
the  life  as  if  she  leaves  it.  She  might  sacrifice  herself  for 
his  sake  if  it  was  clearly  her  duty,  but  do  we  dare  tell  her 
that  it  is?" 

Mrs.  Alston  gave  a  long  sigh. 

"  Then  I  think  the  engagement  might  as  well  be  givea 
up  if  she  feels  this  way  about  it.  It  is  a  great  disappoint- 
ment to  me,  and  certainly  to  us  all.  The  Darrells  have 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  311 

been  so  perfectly  satisfied  with  it,  and  they  always  were 
so  good  to  her.  I  do  not  understand  why  she  cannot  love 
him  when  she  likes  him  so  much,  but  it  is  unfair  to 
him." 

"  I  am  not  certain  but  the  settlement  of  the  affair 
ought  to  be  left  to  him.  He  is  sufficiently  clear-judging 
to  understand,  and  he  is  daily  witnessing  the  issue  of  so 
many  mistakes  as  well  as  sins.  We  have  no  right  to  hurry 
either  of  them." 

Mrs.  Alston  wiped  away  a  few  tears  and  took  up  her 
sewing  again,  but  it  was  only  a  pretence.  She  was  bit- 
terly disappointed.  Her  son's  fate  had  its  tragic  side, 
but  in  her  estimation  there  was  nothing  to  redeem  this. 
A  simple  confession  that  a  foolish  girl  had  not  known  her 
own  mind,  and  accepted  a  wrong  love. 

And,  though  no  word  was  exchanged  on  the  subject, 
there  was  something  in  her  mother's  wounded  demeanor 
that  pained  Kathie  and  filled  her  with  a  peculiar  sense  of 
shame.  Why  could  she  not  make  this  matter  seem  right 
and  joyous,  as  Emma's  marriage  had  been,  or  as  Sarah 
Strong's  ?  She  should  never  shrink  from  the  work.  She 
was  in  some  measure  fitted  for  it  by  all  her  life-long  ex- 
perience. 

She  went  up  to  spend  a  few  days  with  Sarah,  who  was 
always  so  glad  to  see  her.  She  could  not  drag  her  soul 
out  for  her  friend's  inspection,  or  ask  if  any  one  knew  why 
this  must  be  so.  But  in  the  simple,  truthful  atmosphere 
she  did  gain  some  strength.  They  two  were  growing  in 
knowledge,  in  tender,  reverent  wisdom,  and  exquisite  hap- 
piness. One  day  the  friends  spoke  of  this. 

"  I  think  it  is  because  we  just  suit,"  said  Sarah,  with  a 
bright  glow  in  her  eyes'.  u  I  can  take  his  best  without 
any  misgiving  because  I  can  give  him  mine  without  any 
reserve.  It  is  the  one  perfect  soul  that  marriage  should 
be,  the  faint,  imperfect  type  of  the  other  great  love.' 

Could  Kathie  compare  hers  with  the  other  great  love? 
No,  it  was  blurred  and  imperfect. 


312  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

After  this  there  was  quite  a  diversion.  Fay  Collamore 
went  to  the  city  to  be  bridesmaid  for  a  cousin.  Jessie 
came  up  on  a  brief  visit  to  her  mother,  and  insisted  that 
Kathie  should  return  with  her. 

"  I  think  I  had  better  go,"  she  said,  with  a  curious  decis- 
ion quite  new  to  her.  For  her  duty  must  be  plainly  and 
clearly  settled.  She  could  not  go  on  living  between,  with 
the  ache  and  misgiving  so  near  the  surface  that  every 
little  touch  made  her  shrink. 

Everybody  was  glad  to  have  her  back.  She  and  Fay 
went  to  one  of  Mrs.  Garnier's  evenings,  —  Rob  had  told 
Miss  Collamore  about  them,  —  and  out  of  this  grew  other 
little  meetings,  and  a  grand  concert  for  which  Rob  bought 
tickets.  He  was  so  ready  to  take  her  anywhere,  and  some- 
how she  always  found  herself  inviting  Fay. 

Charlie  saw  it  in  his  quiet  way,  and  yet  it  had  no  real 
meaning  for  Kathie,  being  mostly  of  Rob's  planning.  She 
was  thinking  of  him  always.  How  could  she  give  back  the 
life  that  had  so  shaped  itself  to  hers  ?  how  could  she  go 
on  and  perhaps  mar  both  ? 

The  friendliness  was  still  friendly.  The  grief  was  that 
she  could  come  so  near  and  not  belong,  heart  and  soul. 
Her  very  trying  gave  him  an  exquisite  pain,  the  blended 
joy  and  bitterness  of  a  possibility  he  had  taken  to  his 
heart,  a  live  and  real  thing,  and  watched  it  growing  dim- 
mer, not  dying,  but  living  by  some  high,  self-judging 
resolve. 

She  should  not  so  torment  and  vex  her  soul.  He  would 
set  her  quite  free.  If  any  late  regret  or  repentance  should 
blossom  into  a  new  trust  for  him,  God  would  surely  return 
it  fourfold. 

He  told  her  this  one  evening,  one  of  the  rare  times 
through  the  visit  that  they  were  quite  alone.  She  was 
not  to  speak  of  it  to  Jessie ;  he  would  make  that  all 
straight  and  pleasant.  They  would  go  back  to  the  old 
friendship,  and  have  no  break  or  coldness.  He  had  schooled 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  313 

himself  to  this  for  her  sake.  Only  a  high,  passion- pure 
love  could  have  done  so,  but  his  soul  was  too  purely  noble 
to  be  satisfied  with  anything  less  than  a  perfect  self-for- 
getting. 

She  sobbed  out  her  sorrow  in  tender,  broken  sentences, 
but  he  would  not  listen  to  her  condemnation.  There  was 
a  better  ordering  in  it  than  they  could  see  to-night.  God 
had  some  true  lesson  and  meaning  in  all  this  that  would  be 
made  manifest  in  the  years  to  come.  She  was  not  to 
shadow  her  life  with  vain  regrets,  but  to  go  on  with  her 
duties  and  her  pleasures  until  God  should  send  peace. 

But  the  first  one  after  her  return  to  Cedarwood  was 
ver}-  painful.  She  must  explain  all  to  her  mother ;  she 
owed  her  this  respect. 

"  Mamma,"  she  began  the  morning  afterward,  "  there 
is  something  I  must  tell  you."  And  the  voice  struggled 
against  the  great  throbbing  in  heart  send  throat,  while  the 
sweet  face  crimsoned  with  abasement  and  genuine  grief. 
"Charlie  and  I  —  that  is,  I  mean  I  have —  0  mamma, 
pity  and  forgive  me  for  paining  you  so  much,  but  I  did 
make  a  great  mistake  !  I  could  not  go  on ;  and  Charlie 
gave  me  back  my  freedom." 

Her  arms  were  around  her  mother's  neck,  and  the  soft, 
wet  face  pressed  close  against  her  cheek  in  fervent  peni- 
tence. 

"  Kathie,"  her  mother  made  answer,  "  you  have  pained 
the  noblest,  sweetest  soul  that  ever  loved  a  woman.  You 
had  no  right  to  treat  it  so.  You  should  have  known,"  in 
a  tone  of  remonstrance. 

"  But  it  was  so  strange  and  new  that  evening.  Because 
nothing  in  my  soul  warned  me  then,  I  thought  it  was  quite 
right.  And  he  was  so  good ;  you  all  liked  him  so  well. 
When  I  tried  with  all  my  heart,  why  could  I  not  make 
myself  come  nearer  to  him  ?  " 

The  pitiful  asking  touched  the  mother.  Had  sne  been 
blameless  ?  Had  not  her  satisfaction  been  one  important 


314  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

factor  in  the  engagement.     Ought  she  not  have  guided  the 
youthful  heart  to  its  own  sure  examination  ? 

*'  I  am  very  sony,  and  there  will  be  some  other  judg- 
ments to  meet,  Kathie."  The  mother  could  not  soften  all 
at  once.  "  I  don't  know  what  the  Darrells  will  say,  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Meredith  will  be  bitterly  disappointed. 
Think  of  Jessie's  goodness  to  you,  years  ago  !  Why,  it 
will  seem —  " 

"Ungrateful!  Yes,  mamma,"  in  her  meek,  touching 
way.  "  I  have  hurt  everybody,  and  now  it  seems  as  if  I 
had  better  have  wounded  only  myself.  But  Charlie  under- 
stood. He  would  not  let  it  be  anything  but  perfect  free- 
dom ;  only,  if  I  should  see  my  way  clear  in  the  years  to 
come,  I  have  only  to  go  back." 

"  I  don't  understand  it  at  all,"  said  Mrs.  Alston,  wearily. 
"  Perhaps  we  had  better  not  talk  it  over  now ;  it  is  too 
near  and  too  full  of  pain.  Of  course  I  shall  always  love 
you,  Kathie ;  a  mother's  heart  is  not  easily  turned  aside. 
Only  I  do  not  seem  very  fortunate  in  my  children  in  this 
respect." 

Kathie  kissed  her,  realizing  how  deep  the  pain  had  gone 
in  the  kindty  heart.  Why  must  she  have  given  it  a  stab 
as  well  as  Robert? 

She  turned  slowly  from  the  room,  but  instead  of  going 
to  her  own,  walked  up  to  Fred's  little  den,  where  Uncle 
Robert  often  amused  himself  with  scientific  experiments, 
and  she  had  seen  him  go  thither  sometime  before.  Kathie 
paused  in  the  doorway,  and  he  caught  sight  of  the  flushed 
and  tearful  face. 

"  O  my  darling !"  he  exclaimed  in  quick,  tender  sym- 
pathy, folding  her  in  his  arms. 

She  had  the  rest  of  her  cry  out  on  his  shoulder.  Now 
and  then  he  kissed  her  throbbing  brow  with  his  cool  lips, 
but  did  not  speak  again  until  her  sobs  had  ceased  a  little. 

' '  O  Uncle  Robert,  what  shall  I  do  ?  I  have  been  so 
weak  and  selfish,  and  made  everybody  so  unhappy ! " 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  315 

"  We  will  talk  that  over  presently.  I  suppose,  tnen,  it 
is  all  settled  between  yon  and  Charlie?  Of  course,  Kathie, 
your  mother  is  sorely  disappointed.  I  think,"  with  a 
little  smile,  "  most  mothers  would  be.  But  old-bachelor 
uncles  are  in  no  hurry  to  have  their  little  girls  go  away,  and 
are  alwa}'s  jealous  of  these  attractive  young  men." 

She  clasped  him  more  closely.  It  was  so  good  to  be 
taken  fondly  back  to  one  heart,  even  when  she  had  been 
so  much  at  fault. 

'•  I  think  we  all  feel  very  sorry,"  trying  to  soothe  the 
tense,  aching  nerves  with  his  most  comforting  tone.  "  We 
should  have  liked  Charlie  in  our  midst,  and  your  mother 
will  always  love  him  as  a  son.  No  one  else  will  ever  be 
so  dear." 

' '  But  suppose  there  should  be  no  one  ?  I  wonder  if  you 
would  get  tired  of  me  ?  "  And  a  faint  misgiving  trembled  in 
her  voice. 

"  We  should  never  have  tired  of  Aunt  Ruth,  you  know. 
Some  of  the  loveliest  women  I  have  ever  met  did  not  marry 
until  middle  life." 

' '  I  cannot  see  how  I  could  have  made  such  a  painful  mis- 
take. And  it  does  seem  sometimes  as  if  I  should  have  set 
nry  small  self  aside,  and  rested  in  his  love,  grown  larger 
and  more  tranquil  of  soul.  It  is  not  even  as  if  I  had  loved 
some  one  else.  That  might  have  been  an  excuse." 

"I  am  very  glad  you  did  not,"  was  the  grave  reply. 
"  Such  mistakes  have  been,  as  well,  but  I  would  rather 
have  this  clear  seeing  for  you  than  any  pure  want  for  self. 
I  think  Charlie  came  to  understand  the  larger  satisfying 
and  peace.  And  now,  Kathie,  you  must  be  patient  and 
tender  with  mamma.  Remember  you  have  been  carrying 
the  burden  quite  a  long  while,  but  it  has  newly  come  upon 
her,  and  mothers  cherish  so  many  pretty  hopes  of  their 
daughtev?.'  marriages.  It  is  like  living  over  their  own  girl 
life." 

''And  Rob,  too,"  cried  Kathie  remorsefully,  quite  dis- 


316  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

regarding  her  sentence.  ' '  Poor  mamma  ;  we  ought  to  be 
very  devoted  to  make  up  all  this." 

"  It  will  be  made  up  presently  with  tender,  earnest 
affection,"  he  said  hopefully.  "  Robert  goes  on  so  well 
that  I  sometimes  think  living  out  of  such  a  trouble  is 
the  best  discipline  he  could  have  had.  He  has  grown 
more  careful  of  consequences  to  others,  and  he  has 
evinced  great  steadiness  of  purpose.  I  do  believe  his 
nursing  and  caring  for  Bruce  brought  out  the  tender  side 
of  his  nature,  the  side  most  boys  are  ashamed  to  show, 
and  not  infrequently  assume  a  sort  of  roughness  to  hide  it, 
quite  forgetting  what  the  term  "  gentleman  "  includes.  I 
hope  we  shall  have  many  happy  years  together." 

"You  are  so  good.  Oh,  what  should  I  do  without 
you  ?  "  cried  Kathie  impulsively. 

Uncle  Robert  smiled. 

It  was  not  an  easy  task,  Kathie  found,  living  out  of 
such  a  mistake.  A  less  noble  lover  might  have  made  it 
harder,  but  Charlie  generously  took  upon  himself  much  of 
the  burden.  She  might  easily  have  been  over-influenced  by 
circumstances.  He  remembered  on  the  night  he  had  first 
spoken  there  had  been  simply  girlish  awe  and  wonder,  no 
great  throb  of  joy,  no  exceeding  gladness  any  of  the  time. 
He  had  failed  to  touch  the  depth  of  her  nature,  to  awaken 
the  keenest  bliss.  For  himself,  he  might  be  satisfied  to 
do  and  to  give,  but  her  life  ought  to  be  wider  and  more 
outflowing  than  in  mere  passive  recipience. 

He  explained  the  matter  first  to  Jessie,  who  was  really 
hurt  and  angry.  '  It  seemed  a  slight  put  upon  Charlie. 

"  No,  Jessie,"  he  said ;  "it  would  have  been  a  worse 
thing  for  her  to  have  married  me  and  never  know  of  her 
own  sure  experience  the  highest  joy  of  life  She  would 
have  made  herself  content,  but  it  would  not  have  been  a 
wholesome,  happy  life." 

"Are  you  quite  sure  she  is  not  In  icve  with  Bruce 
Mackenzie  ?  " 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  317 

11  She  could  not  love  a  finer  man." 

"  You  are  as  good  and  noble,  and  more  self-sacrificing,*1 
cried  Jessie  vehemently.  "  Charlie,  why  should  you 
stand  aside  for  any  other  ?  " 

' '  If  Kathie  loves  Bruce  it  is  all  unknown  to  herself,  and 
then  it  would  be  God's  sure  seal  that  her  love  was  not  for 
me.  And  if  he  loved  her  —  " 

"  Let  them  find  it  out  then,"  said  Jessie  resentfully. 

Mother  Darreli  was  the  greatest  comforter  to  Kathie. 

"  Mjidear,"  she  said,  "  we  all  regret  it  so  deeply.  I  am 
not  sure  but  we  have  coveted  }'ou.  And  yet  it  has  seemed 
to  me  that  you  were  always  too  near  to  be  the  nearest,  for 
friends  do  not  always  make  lovers.  I  want  you  to  come 
just  the  same,  to  be  to  us  what  you  were  before.  We  old 
people  can't  aford  to  let  a  pleasure  slip  out  of  our  lives 
because  it  may  take^,  different  turn  from  what  we  hoped. 
God  knows  best." 

They  had  all  been  so  engrossed  through  this  time  with 
Kathie  that  Rob  had  gone  his  way,  straying  in  pleasant 
fields  unnoticed.  He  and  Miss  Collamore  had  settled  into 
a  steady  kind  of  friendship.  Uncle  Robert  remarked  with 
pleasure  the  touches  of  reticence  in  certain  directions,  the 
little  fence  of  propriety  she  placed  about  herself  and 
never  overstepped,  as  if  she  understood  what  might  have 
been  but  was  not  to  be.  Fred's  intimacy  with  Eugene 
brought  them  all  nearer  together  in  many  ways. 

During  her  visit  in  New  York  Robert  had  made  himself  • 
chief  cavalier  to  her  and  Kathie.  Mr.  Gartney,  who  had 
stood  with  her  at  her  cousin's  marriage,  had  not  proved 
insensible  to  her  charms,  and  made  delicate  advances 
toward  a  closer  acquaintance.  His  business  standing  and 
character  were  excellent,  and  he  was  received  by  the  Col- 
lamores  with  the  refined  cordiality  that  told  him  under  Imy 
circumstances  he  was  a  welcome  guest. 

His  visits  startled  Miss  Collamore  out  of  her  wonted 
tranquillity.  The  young  men  of  Brodkside  had  at  times 


318  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

shown  preferences,  but  these  were  easily  turned  aside. 
This  man  had  a  definite  purpose  ;  he  showed  it  in  his  bear- 
ing, in  the  peculiar  grace  of  his  attention.  He  was  refined, 
chivalrous,  well  informed,  quite  fit  to  be  set  beside  Mr. 
Hunsdon.  There  was  no  reason  why  a  girl  should  not  like 
him,  or  let  herself  drift  into  the  swift,  pleasant  stream  of 
interest  and  caring  until  it  came  to  more,  and  the  mean- 
ing proved  itself  to  both. 

There  was  another  side.  Fay  Collamore  could  not, 
would  not  look  at  this  when  she  could  help.  Sometimes 
it  seemed  to  get  sharply  thrust  under  her  notice  ;  there  was 
a  pang  and  a  long,  quivering  breath,  but  it  was  soon  over. 

Only  of  late  there  had  come  a  troublesome  shadow,  a 
secret  knowledge  that  however  successful  she  might  be  in 
putting  away  any  thought  or  temptation  for  herself,  she 
could  not  so  put  it  away  for  another.  Now  and  then  there 
came  a  flash  of  a  "  might  have  been"  in  Robert  Alston's 
eyes,  a  touch  of  something  in  his  voice  that  startled  no  one 
else,  but  struck  a  vague  terror  to  her  soul.  It  would  be 
a  sin  to  let  it  settle  into  any  unhallowed  longing.  In  her 
eyes  he  had  been  so  brave,  had  borne  his  sad  trial  with 
a  fortitude  hardly  belonging  to  youth,  had  made  it  no 
excuse  for  throwing  away  his  bright  young  life.  Even  now 
he  was  stud}'ing  between  whiles  with  the  boys,  in  case  the 
step  higher  should  come  to  him  in  the  future.  Could  she 
let  him  mar  his  life  a  second  time  with  any  fondness  for  her  ? 

They  were  not  the  people  who  could  keep  to  the  level  of 
a  friendship  ;  she  would  not  blind  herself  by  any  specious 
half-promises.  He  was  ardent,  impetuous,  strong,  and 
passion  might  carry  him  like  a  whirlwind  for  a  brief  space, 
but  if  even  a  word  took  him  over  the  boundary,  it  could 
never  be  brought  back  with  any  repentance. 

And  the  woman  who  held  his  freedom  might  live  years. 
Every  one  said  so.  To  wish  it  otherwise  were  a  crime. 

What  if  she  placed  an  effectual  barrier  between.  Could 
she  not  make  herself  happy  in  another  life  if  she  knew  she 
had  put  temptation  quite  out  of  his  way  ? 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

IT  was  the  soft  lapsing  of  the  spring  day  into  evening 
The  windows  were  open,  and  the  fragrance  of  the  ever- 
greens, the  delicate  moisture  of  the  young  grass  that  had 
drank  in  the  sunshine  all  day  and  was  now  giving  it  out  to 
the  dew,  made  the  air  sweet  with  promise.  Robert  Alston 
had  taken  a  holiday,  partly  to  attend  to  a  little  business 
for  Mr.  Meredith,  which  would  have  made  him  too  late 
for  a  day  in  the  city.  He  had  been  out  rambling,  and 
returned  with  a  great  bunch  of  wild  flowers,  Kathie  and 
his  mother  were  so  fond  of  them.  Kathie  was  not  in,  and 
Mrs.  Collamore  sat  with  his  mother  in  the  parlor,  so  he 
stepped  into  the  library  and  threw  himself  in  an  easy-chair 
by  the  window. 

Uncle  Robert  came  up  the  path,  pausing  to  look  at  the 
hyacinth  bed.  In  his  hand  he  held  two  or  three  letters, 
and,  catching  a  glimpse  of  his  nephew,  came  across  the 
piazza  to  the  window  and  stepped  in.  Mrs.  Collamore 
was  taking  her  leave  now.  She  seemed  to  pause  in  the  hall 
and  said  quite  distinctly,  though  in  her  low,  even  tone,  — 

"  We  all  like  him  very  much,  and  think  it  will  be  a  good 
match  for  Fay.  I  shall  have  only  my  son  left.  I  think  I 
should  rather  keep  her  nearer,  but  I  must  comfort  myself 
with  Louise  and  her  baby." 

Rob  sprang  up  with  a  sudden,  decisive  impulse,  and  his 
face  was  like  marble.  "  It  is  Mr.  Gartney,"  he  said  in  a 
hoarse,  strained  whisper. 

"  Yes,  Robert."     The  voice  was  sharp,  decisive. 

The  young  man   dropped  back  in  his  chair.     In  his 


320  WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED. 

momentary  madness  he  hardly  cared  how  much  he  had 
betra}red. 

"  Robert,  you  would  have  no  right  in  any  event ;  rouse 
yourself  and  think  a  moment." 

"Of  what  shall  I  think?"  in  a  passionate,  despairing 
tone.  ' '  That  I  have  lost  my  chance  with  the  only  woman 
who  could  have  helped  me  to  live  a  perfect  life  ?  That  all 
the  years  to  come  —  " 

Mr.  Conover  closed  the  library  door,  and,  returning, 
stood  in  front  of  the  young  man. 

"  Robert,"  he  said  sternly,  "  has  it  come  to  this  ?  Have 
you  allowed  3'ourself  to  dream  over  this  young  girl  until  it 
has  led  to  the  verge  of  sin  ?  Better  a  hundred  times  that 
she  should  be  removed  from  your  reach." 

"  You  think  so ! "  in  a  bitter,  hollow  tone.  "As  if  I 
could  not  dream  over  her  and  covet  her  anywhere  !  And 
if  she  stayed,  if  she  waited  —  " 

"  Rob,  ruy  boy, "  and  the  voice  was  infinitely  tender, 
the  touch  on  his  arm  strong,  yet  gentle,  "  you  have  for- 
gotten j'ourself  and  your  duty.  No  madness  can  quite 
convince  you  that  you  have  a  right,  that  you  are  free  —  " 

Robert  Alston  sprang  up  and  stood  straight,  strong, 
and  daring.  Every  pulse  within  his  body  had  mutinied. 
There  was  a  blaze  of  defiance  in  his  eyes  and  a  white 
line  about  the  lips. 

' '  I  should  have  been  free  !  I  can  be  free  !  "  he  declared 
in  his  madness. 

The\-  glanced  at  each  other  steadily,  and  neither  seemed 
to  breathe. 

"  If  3-011  were  free,"  the  elder  said,  "  what  would  it 
avail,  since  she  will  belong  to  another?  " 

"  She  would  not.     Uncle  Robert,  have  a  little  pity  on 
me.     I  can't  tell  you  how  I  know  it,  but  I  do  believe  as 
ly  as  I  can  believe  anything,  that  if  I  went  to  Fay 

llamore  and  told  her  of  my  love  she  would  wait  years, 
he  would  not  marry.     AVhy  should  I  give  up  my  chance  ?  " 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  321 

"  Because  it  would  be  a  sin  and  dishonor.  It  would 
stain  your  soul  and  sully  the  pure  whiteness  of  hers.  No ; 
you  could  not  win  Fay  Collamore  that  way,  and  I  thank 
God  that  it  is  so.  Rob,  when^you  have  made  such  a  brave 
fight,  when  you  have  won  back  respect,  honor,  will  you 
throw  them  away  in  this  mad  endeavor  ?  I  thought  you 
were  to  be  trusted  to  the  uttermost.  And  I  have  news 
for  you.  See  here  !  " 

He  lighted  the  lamp  on  the  table  and  took  the  letter 
from  its  envelope,  handing  it  to  his  nephew.  A  scornful 
smile  crossed  the  scarlet  lip,  as  if  the  first  impulse  were 
to  fling  it  away. 

"  Read  it.     It  is  your  business." 

It  was  from  the  asylum  physician,  concise  yet  compre- 
hensive. *'  They  had  remarked  a  great  improvement  in 
the  patient  for  the  last  month.  Some  faint  remembrance 
had  returned.  She  had  asked  for  her  child,  and  seemed 
gratified  when  a  babe  had  been  brought  her.  Her  youth 
her  good  physical  health  gave  them  a  slender  hope 
that  there  might  be  some  restoration  in  time." 

Robert  Alston  went  over  and  over  the  letter,  though  he 
was  not  thinking  at  all.  A  horror  seemed  to  have  posses- 
sion of  him.  Moments  passed  before  he  spoke,  then  he 
said,  almost  savagely  :  — 

"You  believe  I  ought  to  have  forgiven  her?  Well,  I 
never,  never  shall.  I  might  if  she  were  dead." 

"O  Robert!" 

He  strode  up  and  down  the  room  in  a  tempest  of  passion. 
Then,  as  if  suddenly  bethinking  himself,  he  said  :  — 

"  It  is  nearing  train  time.     I  must  go  to-night." 

"  Let  me  drive  you  down." 

"No,  I  will  walk  ;  I  want  to  go  alone.  Say  good  by  to 
my  mother.  There  is  your  letter !  "  And  he  threw  it  con- 
temptuously on  the  floor. 

"  Robert,  we  cannot  part  this  way.     Stay — ' 

But  he  flung  off  his  uncle's  arm  and  made  a  snatch 
21 


at 


322  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

his  hat  from  the  rack  in  the  hall.  His  steps  echoed  on  the 
gravel  walk  an  instant,  then  all  was  spring-time  silence 
and  softness  again. 

Should  he  follow  him?  What  would  he  do  in  this  des- 
perate mood  ?  There  would  be  the  long  ride  to  the  city, 
but  the  reaching  there  almost  at  midnight,  the  fierce  strug- 
gle within  himself.  Ah,  how  would  it  end  ? 

"God  help  him,"  he  cried.  "Save  him  from  him- 
self." 

It  had  all  been  so  sudden  that  now  Robert  Conover 
wondered  if  he  had  done  his  best,  had  acted  with  wisdom 
and  prudence.  Surely  the  mad  boy  would  not  dare  to  go 
to  Fay. 

When  he  could  reason  himself  to  a  state  of  calmness  he 
went  up-stairs.  Kathie  had  just  come  in.  He  took  with 
him  Rob's  flowers  and  a  tenderer  farewell  than  he  had 
left. 

"  Oh,  how  lovely  !  "  cried  Kathie.  "  Dear  Rob  !  I  did 
try  to  get  back  in  time,  but  old  Mrs.  Boden  had  so  many 
last  messages." 

"  And  I  have  some  news  for  you,  Kathie,"  said  Mrs. 
Alston.  "  Mrs.  Collamore  was  here.  She  thinks  Fay  is 
very  likely  to  marry  Mr.  Gartney ;  but  of  course  she  will 
have  to  go  to  New  York  to  live.  You  will  be  left  quite 
alone  presently." 

Kathie  colored  softly ;  she  never  answered  when  her 
mother  made  comments  like  this.  They  were  gradually 
coming  back  to  their  old  love  and  confidence,  and  if  she 
could  have  the  tender  patience  to  win  all. 

Robert  Alston  went  his  way  in  a  mad,  blind  fury.  It 
came  to  him  with  the  unreason  of  youth, —  what  if  he  threw 
himself  here  under  the  car  wheels  !  Of  what  avail  was  life, 
and  strength,  and  manhood,  only  to  make  the  loss  tenfold 
more  bitter?  She  would  go  away  out  of  his  life,  and  what 
would  be  left?  Only  the  hateful  reminder  of  that  boyish 
idiocy  ?  But  no  repentance  could  atone  for  the  wrong  she 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  323 

had  done.  No ;  if  she  came  and  pleaded  on  her  bended 
knees,  he  would  never  forgive  her.  She  had  blighted  the 
man's  promising  career,  she  had  kept  him  from  the  man's 
dear  and  tender  love  ! 

He  turned  to  the  image  of  Fay  Collamore  and  revelled 
in  the  vision  of  what  might  have  been.  Not  a  sweet  would 
he  miss,  even  if  it  turned  to  tenfold  ashes  and  bitterness 
afterward.  He  let  fancy  have  full  play.  Up  to  this 
time  she  had  been  sacred  to  him  ;  he  had  not  even  dared  to 
dream  of  her.  In  this  reckless  mood  he  would  stop  for 
nothing.  And  all  the  years  to  come  he  must  miss  this 
glowing,  enchanting  happiness. 

He  bowed  his  head  and  groaned  in  his  misery.  He  had 
the  seat  to  himself,  and  could  indulge  in  a  little  weakness 
without  prying  eyes.  From  this  mood  he  went  to  sullen 
despair.  The  night  dropped  down,  and  still  he  peered  out 
in  the  darkness  with  hot  eyes  and  throbbing  brow.  Of 
what  avail  had  been  all  the  struggle,  all  the  resolving  ?  He 
might  as  well  have  stayed  in  Chicago.  There  he  would  not 
have  seen  Fay.  She  would  be  at  Brooksicle, —  in  the  city. 
She  knew  all  the  friends  in  the  little  circle  and  would  meet 
them.  He  should  see  her  another's  man's  wife.  That 
woke  all  the  passion  of  jealousy  within  him. 

The  tumult  went  on,  fierce,  eager,  sullen,  and  despairing 
by  turns.  They  ran  into  the  station.  How  strange  it 
looked  in  the  yellow-red  glare,  and  the  voices  seemed  like 
something  heard  in  another  world !  Yonder  was  a  train 
steaming  up.  If  he  were  to  take  it,  to-morrow  morning  he 
would  be  far  away.  "Would  it  not  be  better  ?  Away  from 
temptation !  He  laughed  bitterly. 

Should  he  go  home  to  the  Merediths'  ?  They  would  be 
sitting  up  for  him, — Fred  and  Mr.  Meredith.  To  go  in 
there,  serene  and  pleasant,  and  answer  questions,  —  ah,  it 
would  madden  him  !  Better  roam  the  streets  all  night. 

Something  came  to  him  suddenly,  and  he  stood  quito. 
still,  as  if  stopped  in  the  way. 


324  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

"  When  you  come  to  love  a  woman  placed  out  of  your 
reach  you  will  go  to  God.  for  nothing  else  will  be  strong 
enough  to  save  you  !  " 

Bruce  had  said  that  to  him.  He,  too,  had  seen  a  love 
placed  out  of  his  way. 

At  first  Robert  Alston  had  a  dim,  awful  impression  that 
he  did  not  want  to  be  saved,  that  he  was  in  some  uncom- 
prehended  way  quite  strong  enough  for  himself,  or  that  no 
salvation  could  comfort  him  for  the  tremeudous  sacrifice 
wrenched  up  out  of  his  life.  Not  made  freely,  not  given. 

Where  should  he  go  ?  The  night  was  growing  chilly  and 
the  streets  beginning  to  look  deserted. 

He  had  tramped  around  unthinkingly  until  he  found  him- 
self in  Charlie  DarreU's  vicinity.  Another  who  had  sacri- 
ficed all.  What  a  mocking,  illusive  thing  love  was,  —  a 
sweet  madness ! 

He  glanced  up.  There  was  a  light  in  the  window. 
Was  this  hero  calm  and  tranquil  after  his  fight?  Ah,  he 
fancied  lie  had  fought  it  all  out,  but  he  did  not  think  then 
this  might  come.  Had  not  some  one  said  in  a  sermon 
that  it  was  a  life  warfare  ?  Was  Charlie  Darrell  fighting 
always?  What  if  lie  knew  Kathie  was  about  to  marry 
another,  could  he  still  wear  his  high,  heavenly  smile  ?  Or 
was  there  a  strength  he,  Rob,  knew  nothing  about?  Life 
had  been  so  pleasant  since  that  terrible  time,  and  he  had 
gone  bravely  onward,  believing  the  great  storms  over-past. 
Why  should  this  have  come  ? 

He  paced  up  and  down  the  street.  Curious  bits  floated 
through  his  mind  in  a  sharp,  electric  fashion  ;  texts  heard 
long  ago,  it  seemed,  almost  in  another  life  :  "  God  is  faith- 
ful, who  will  with  the  temptation  also  make  a  wa}-  to 
escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it."  How  many  had 
escaped  ?  how  many  wanted  to  escape  ? 

The  window  above  him  was  raised  and  a  figure  leaned 
out  a  little.  Rob  dropped  his  head  and  drew  up  his 
shoulders.  He  could  not  make  up  his  mind  whether  he 


WHOM    KATHIE   MARRIED.  325 

desired  to  see  Charlie  or  not,  but  the  light  from  the  oppo- 
site lamp  betrayed  him. 

"  Rob,  wait  until  I  come  down,"  said  an  entreating 
voice. 

The  young  man  strode  fiercely  away,  then  paused.  The 
door  opened  and  a  light  step  came  flying  after  him. 

"  Rob,  are  they  all  well  at  home  ?   What  has  happened  ?  " 

"  Nothing,"  pulling  half  away. 

"  Come  back  with  me  ;  I  am  all  alone.  Let  us  talk  it 
over,  for  something  has  happened  to  you  ?  " 

"  You  cannot  help  me." 

Charlie  was  leading  him  back.  The  hall  lamp  was  out, 
but  they  groped  up-stairs,  guided  by  the  long  ray  of  light 
from  the  open  door.  Entering,  Charlie  pushed  a  chair 
forward  with  a  cordial  invitation,  but  Rob  stood  stupidby. 
His  hair  was  blown  about,  his  face  set  and  pale,  and  his 
eyes  were  aglow  with  the  wild  light  of  passion.  Had  he 
been  drinking? 

"  Sit  down  and  tell  me,"  gently.  "Perhaps  it  will  not 
be  as  hard  as  you  think." 

"I  don't  know,"  Robert  Alston  said  unsteadily,  drawing 
a  long,  quivering  breath.  "  I  suppose,"  laughing  mirth- 
lessby,  "  I've  been  tempted  of  the  devil ;  murder,  and  all 
the  long  list  of  crimes  mentioned  somewhere.  You  all 
supposed  I  was  going  on  so  well." 

"  So  you  were."  Charlie  sprang  up  beside  him.  Some- 
thing in  the  pure,  high  face  seemed  to  touch  Rob  dimly. 
"  But  a  soldier  may  be  surprised  at  his  outpost,  and  it  is 
his  duty  to  be  ready.  The  surprise  is  not  a  sin,  but  cow- 
ardice or  negligence  would  be.  Even  there  '  Thy  hand 
shall  hold  me.' " 

"  Why  does  n't  it,  then?  Oh,  why  should  we  live  at  all, 
Charlie?  It  seems  such  a  useless,  unmeaning,  blurred,  and 
wretched  thing !  Nothing  comes  out  of  it  all  that  you 
really  want." 

He  had  wanted  some  denied  gift,  then.     Charlie's  intui- 


326  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

tions  were  rapid  and  sympathetic.  A  few  days  ago  Rob 
was  gay  and  glad ;  he  had  been  unusually  bright  during 
Kathie's  visit  to  the  city  and  afterward.  Ah,  had  he  a 
clew? 

"  If  anything  true,  and  right,  and  honorable  has  been  put 
out  of  your  way,  Rob,  it  is  only  held  in  the  larger  await- 
ing of  by  and  by." 

"  It  was  the  one  chance,  the  one  glimpse  of  a  lovely,  sat- 
isfying life,  and  I  think  I  have  a  right.  You  do  not  know ; 
as  a  clergyman,  all  secrets  are  sacred  to  JTOU  ;  but  I  could 
have  been  quite  free  from  that  hateful  marriage,  that  boy's 
folly ;  I  can  be  now.  Must  I  let  all  the  great  joys  of 
life  slip  out  for  a  mere  figment  of  honor?  And  she  is 
better.  We  heard  this  very  day.  Suppose  she  recovers  ? 
Would  you  all  send  me  back  to  that  old  existence  ?  Why, 
I  might  better  never  have  left  it !  " 

It  would  be  better  to  go  back  than  to  stain  any  new  life 
with  a  sin.  Rob,  you  said  one  glimpse  ;  was  it  another?  " 

"Yes,"  he  flung  out  sullenly,  "  you  may  as  well  know 
all.  I  did  not  understand  it  myself  until  I  heard  to-day 
that  she  might  go  to  some  other  love,  not  knowing,  and  I 
could  win  her,  I  am  quite  sure.  I  believe  when  I  first  met  Fay 
Collamore  I  knew  just  the  kind  of  woman  I  needed,  high, 
honorable,  gracious,  true  as  steel,  and  as  unflinching.  Then 
I  understood  the  madness  I  had  yielded  to  and  that  had 
blurred  all  my  life.  I  had  no  right  to  complain,  and  I 
did  not.  I  kept  to  my  own  miserable  path,  shutting  out 
my  vision,  making  no  comparison.  When  the  time  came 
that  I  might  have  been  free  I  gave  it  up  for  others.  And 
now  she,  who  could  so  bless  my  life,  will  blight  and  wound 
her  own,  taking  something  less  than  she  might  have  had, 
making  herself  content  when  there  should  be  a  sweet,  spon- 
taneous joy.  It  ruins  both  !  Will  it  do  that  other  misera- 
ble, negative  existence  any  good?  It  discrowns  love  to 
apply  it  to  any  such  d/sunion  as  ours  was." 

A  strong  shudder  ran  through  Robert  Alston's  frame, 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  327 

and  the  eyes  were  heavy,  like  one  half  asleep.  But  in  the 
other  face  there  was  a  strength  and  steadfastness  not  to  be 
gainsaid. 

"Rob,"  he  began  gently,  but  in  a  firm,  ringing  tone, 
that  gave  no  uncertain  sound,  "  you  were  heroic  through 
all  that  time.  I  think  God  helped  you  then.  Some  of  the 
boyhood  lessons  lingered  in  your  mind.  It  was  a  perilous 
way,  and  3'ou  came  out  of  it  morally  unscathed,  clearer- 
eyed,  stronger,  for  every  temptation  overcome  adds 
strength.  And  you  know  this  night,  as  well  as  I,  that 
yours  would  be  an  unhallowed  love  to  offer  to  any  woman. 
You  are  not  free." 

' '  Do  you  suppose  I  should  offer  it  until  I  was  ?  "  he 
asked  almost  savagely. 

"  No,  I  have  that  much  faith  in  you.  You  will  not  do 
it  until  your  conscience  is  clear  and  clean,  until  your  duty 
is  done,  until  you  can  meet  the  eyes  of  every  one,  and  how 
much  more  the  one  thus  set  above  all  others,  in  truth  and 
honor.  You  said,  back  there,  it  was  murder  and  all  the 
long  list !  You  will  not  stain  your  soul,  Robert  Alston. 
You  have  not  fought  your  way  up  to  this  to  slip  back !  " 

"  What  shall  I  do?  "  in  a  hollow,  broken  tone.  "  Why 
does  n't  God  save  me  ?  " 

"Will  you  be  saved?  Will  you  be  snatched  from  this 
fiery  temptation  ?  Remember  there  was  just  one  who  met 
the  Lord  Jesus  in  the  way,  and  who  afterward  carried 
about  with  him  the  '  marks '  in  his  body.  To  the  othera 
He  said,  '  Follow  thou  me.'  Rise,  you  are  able.  Follow. 
Obey.  Come  to  me." 

"Then  I  should  save  myself." 

"  Well,  can  you?  Have  you  come  off  victor  by  youi 
own  might?  Are  you  so  strong  that  you  can  pass  by  this 
thing  without  a  longing  ?  Will  you  never  shrink  when  it 
meets  you  in  the  way  ?  " 

"  There  is  no  use,"  gloomily. 

"  There  is  use.    See,  Rob,  you  may  have  been  betrayed 


328  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

into  a  word  or  look ;  you  and  Fay  may  have  seen  for  a 
moment  a  blinding,  dazzling  glare,  but  if  you  put  it  away 
before  it  has  had  time  really  to  belong,  it  is  all  God  asks. 
He  might  have  made  us  insensible  to  all  these  things,  and 
we  should  never  have  sinned,  never  even  have  seen  the 
temptation.  But  it  is  braver,  3'es,  I  think  it  is  better,  to 
see  and  to  resist.  That,  then,  is  not  mei'e  negative  good- 
ness. That  is  accepting,  using  the  divine  strength,  sup- 
plementing our  weak  desire  with  his  greater  aid,  which  is 
always  sufficient  if  you  will  try  it  to  the  uttermost.  The 
trouble  is  we  so  often  try  it  only  half  or  a  little  way." 

The  midnight  clocks  were  striking  twelve.  Rob  dropped 
into  a  chair.  He  was  suddenly  tired,  worn  out.  The  face 
was  ashen  gray,  the  eyes  lost  their  fire. 

"  You  will  not  throw  away  the  victories  of  your  life  in 
this  evil  fashion.  When  it  comes  to  deliberate  choice  you 
cannot." 

Could  he  do  such  a  thing  deliberately?  Robert  Alston 
paused  to  think.  In  a  moment  of  selfish  madness  he  might 
rush  headlong,  as  he  had  been  wild  to  do  this  evening,  but 
seen  here  in  all  its  wrong  and  wretchedness  — 

There  was  a  long,  long  silence.  Rob's  temples  throbbed 
like  the  blows  of  ceaseless  machinery.  He  could  not  think 
clearly.  Was  there  any  ark  of  safety? 

"  You  remember  our  old  hero,  Rob  !  '  It  is  necessary 
for  me  to  go;  it  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  live.'  It  is 
necessary  for  you  to  be  pure,  and  strong,  and  resolute. 
Other  men  have  given  up  dreams  —  "  And  his  voice  fal- 
tered a  little. 

"  Oh,"  cried  Rob,  "  it  was  cruel  to  come  to  you  I  " 

"  No.  I  think  you  were  led  thither  to  see  the  salva- 
tion of  God,  for  he  will  save  you  from  yourself.  And 
perhaps  He  showed  me  it  had  a  wider  significance,  that  I 
might  comfort  some  one  tried  and  tempest  tossed/' 

"  Well,  let  it  be  given  up,  all  of  it.  Let  me  come  out 
ol  the  horrible  slough.  For  I  could  have  wished  the 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  329 

other  dead  to-night ;  I  am  not  sure  but  I  did.  How  is  i( 
that  one  can  never  desire  to  do  right  first  of  all  ?  " 

"  Because  life  must  always  be  a  warfare,  to  strong 
natures,  especially.  It  is  the  old  warring  of  the  two 
natures,  and  even  St.  Paul,  resolute  and  earnest,  comforts 
us  here.  'That  which  I  would,'  'that  which  I  would 
not,'  and  they  are  always  present." 

"  I  make  a  poor  soldier ! "  Robert  Alston  buried  his 
face  in  his  hands.  And  then  he  thought  of  another  sol- 
dier who  had  fought  as  hard  a  battle,  who  had  thrust  out 
unlawful  desire  before  it  became  blighting  sin. 

"  No,  Rob,  I  think  it  is  very  fair.  We  are  gauged  by 
the  strength  of  the  temptation,  and  what  might  almost 
sweep  you  away  would  just  touch  another,  who  could  not 
feel  it  so  keenly." 

"  Because  I  am  so  weak?  " 

"  No.  You  have  shown  j-our  strength  in  many  ways. 
You  might  have  rushed  into  intemperance." 

A  shudder  of  disgust  passed  over  him.  "  I  shall  always 
hate  drunkenness  !  "  he  cried  vehemently. 

"  And  you  will  come  to  hate  and  shun  other  things.  It 
is  not  all  done  in  a  day.  The  vow  is  '  a  faithful  soldier 
and  servant  to  my  life's  end.'  You  have  onl}r  begun." 

"  Charlie,"  he  said  in  a  low  tone,  many  moments  after- 
ward, "  could  you  have  given  up  Kathie  so  readily  if  you 
had  known  another  stood  by  to  take  her,  that  she  was 
going  quite  out  of  your  life  ?  "  He  must  test  the  temper 
of  this  grace. 

"  I  did  not  give  her  up  readily,"  in  a  lingering  tone. 
"  I  think  I  understand.  If  Miss  Collamore  can  go  to 
another,  Rob,  it  is  quite,  certain  that  this  is  not,  could  not 
be  the  true  regard  of  her  life.  And  perhaps  that  is  the 
cross  for  you,  and  the  saving  knowledge." 

And  then  an  old  thought  came  back  to  Charlie  Darrell. 
They  so  seldom  spoke  of  her  in  this  connection. 

"  Rob,"  he  said  softly,  "  did  you  ever  imagine  Kathia 
cared  for,  loved  any  one  ?  " 


330  WHOM   KATHIE  MARRIED. 

"I  don't  believe  Kathie  knows,  and  it  is  queer,  too," 
brightening  up  a  little  ;  "  but  you  see  you  all  were  so  ready 
to  do  her  honor.  I  can't  understand  how  you  all  came  to 
love  her  so !  She  is  not  wonderf ully  beautiful  nor  regu- 
larly fascinating  as  some  girls ;  but  she  has  been  a  little 
queen,  with  all  her  knights  about  her." 

Should  he  ask  the  question  that  he  had  more  than  once 
asked  of  his  secret  soul? 

Charlie  turned  his  face  away  a  little,  that  it  might  not 
show  its  anguish. 

"  Did  3'ou  ever  fancy  that  Bruce  —  " 

There  was  a  silence  that  seemed  almost  deathly,  in  the 
room.  A  color  fluttered  up  in  the  other's  pallid  face. 

"  Rob  !  "  He  came  and  stood  over  his  friend,  took  his 
hand,  studied  the  shrouded  expression. 

It  was  drawn  suddenly  away.  "  Don't  make  me  cruel 
to  you  of  all  others  !  "  cried  Robert  Alston,  with  a  pang  of 
remorse. 

"  I  fancied  afterward  —  Do  you  know  when  they  mean 
to  return  ?  " 

"  Not  until —  But  I  have  n't  any  right  to  betray  him. 
He  would  have  cut  off  his  hand  or  plucked  out  his  right 
eye  rather  than  have  swerved  a  line  —  " 

"  Ah,  3*ou  see  it  there  !  "  cried  Charlie  Darrell.  "  You 
cannot  help  honoring  it,  Rob !  Bruce  Mackenzie  is  a 
Christian  soldier." 

A  Christian  soldier.  That  had  given  the  lovely  grace  of 
patience  and  steadfastness  through  all  that  trying  time. 
That  was  what  had  interposed,  when  Rob  first  went  out  to 
Bruce,  in  his  own  behalf.  He  seemed  to  have  found  the 
clew,  faint,  wavering,  but  not  uncertain.  These  two  pos- 
sessed something  he  had  not.  His  own  strength,  manh" 
and  robust,  was  not  enough  ;  there  was  a  diviner  grace. 
Yes,  he  must  be  saved,  even  if  as  by  fire.  His  longing  love 
might  not  desire  it  — 

He  rose  then,  almost  overshadowing  tlie  slenderer  figure. 
His  step  was  uncertain,  groping. 


WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED.  331 

*'  I  think  I  have  been  a  madman  !  "  he  said  in  deepest 
humiliation.  "  I  have  gone  to  the  very  brink  of  destruction, 
trusting  in  my  own  might.  But  I  shall  never  rest  until  I 
have  found  the  greater  strength.  You  need  not  be  afraid 
to  trust  me." 

He  started  as  if  to  go.  "  No,  you  will  stay  with  me  to- 
night," Charlie  said.  "It  is  late,  and  I  want  you  to  help 
me.  If  Bruce  knew  Kathie  was  quite  free  —  if  I  wrote  — 
they  are  going  to  Egypt  soon,  I  believe.  But  he  had  bet- 
ter come  home." 

"  I  wronged  you  a  while  ago.  I  said  you  did  not 
know." 

"  I  do  know.  We  both  know  that  a  love  given  away 
may  grow  into  something  higher  than  a  love  kept  for  one's 
self." 

"  But  you  have  the  right  to  give,"  he  cried,  bowing  his 
head  in  an  agony  of  shame. 

There  was  not  much  sleep  for  them  that  night.  Robert 
Alston's  thoughts  would  have  kept  MITI  awake  if  it  had 
not  been  for  the  almost  intolerable  headache.  And  he  had 
been'  shown  himself  the  thing  he  night  become  if  left  to 
his  own  devices,  his  human  side,  with  no  interposition. 
But  he  believed  now  that  Fay  Collamore  could  not  have 
been  tempted  into  any  specious  waiting,  any  wrong  step, 
only  he  knew  she  had  seen,  and  put  away,  like  these  other 
brave  souls.  There  was  a  great  deal  of  it  to  do  in  this 
world. 

Mr.  Meredith  rallied  him  somewhat  the  next  day  on  his 
paleness,  little  dreaming  of  the  struggle.  He  had  one 
more  duty  before  the  new  life  could  quite  begin,  and  that 
was  a  letter  to  Uncle  Robert,  who  came  to  answer  it,  in 
person.  And  Robert  Alston  realized  then  how  easy  it  was 
to  make  the  innocent  suffer  for  the  guilty.  No  one  ever 
bore  a  crime  or  a  shame  quite  alone.  Some  other  heart 
was  always  wrung  with  anguish,  often  the  one  who  should 
be  nearest  and  dearest,  first  considered. 


CHAPTER  XXVTI. 

THEY  were  in  the  glow  and  throb  of  mid-summer  again. 
Kathie  Alston  stood  on  the  wide  balcony,  nodding  to  baby 
Bertie  below,  who  was  making  imaginar}r  visits  and  com- 
ing back  for  cunning  good-byes.  Then  espying  Uncle  Rob- 
ert, she  ran  like  a  sprite  to  meet  him,  and  he  caught  her 
in  his  arms. 

Kathie  ran  down  as  well.  She  was  radiant  in  health  and 
brightness.  All  the  cares  and  perplexities  seemed  over- 
past. She  had  simply  to  live,  to  take  up  the  nearest  duty. 

"  I  am  jealous  !  "  laughingly.  "  I  don't  even  have  one 
arm  any  more." 

"  But  I  must  have  one  hand.  Stand  down  a  minute, 
Bertie  :  I  have  a  load  of  letters  for  Aunt  Kathie.  Docs  n't 
that  sound  staid  and  ancient,"  smiling.  "Here  is  one 
from  Mrs.  Truesdell,  from  Miss  Fay  ;  and  oh,  what  will 
you  give  me  for  my  news  ?  " 

"A  kiss  used  to  be  sufficient,"  with  a  piquant  sparkle  in 
her  eye  ;  "  but  you  have  so  man}-  from  my  rival  —  " 

"Take  me  up,  Uncle  Robert,  take  me  up,"  said  the 
imperious  little  queen. 

"  A  spoiled  child  !  What  would  become  of  her  but  for 
mamma  and  me  ?  And  the  news  ?  " 

"  It  is  funny  how  man}-  times  we  have  said  it.  Aunt 
Ruth  is  in  New  York  ;  she  is  coming  home  to-morrow.  I 
had  a  telegram." 

"Oh,  how  lovely !  So  they  gave  up  Egypt.  Or  did 
Bruce  go  on  alone  ?  " 

"  The  telegram  says  '  we.' " 


KATHIE   MARRIED.  333 

'*  Oh,  I  do  wonder —  The  boys  will  be  delighted  !  Rob 
is  fairly  homesick  for  a  sight  of  him." 

"  Some  letters  for  me?"  demanded  Bertie,  as  they  sat 
down  on  the  wide  step. 

"  There,  this  will  do  ;  oh,  no,  this,"  giving  her  the  tel- 
egram. "  There  was  a  letter  from  Chicago." 

"  Uncle  Robert,"  said  Kathie  seriously,  "  suppose  she/' 
nodding  toward  the  letter,  "  should  quite  recover?  " 

"  That  does  not  seem  possible." 

"  I  have  thought  of  it  sometimes.  What  would  Rob  do? 
He  has  begun  to  be  so  curiously  conscientious  of  late." 

"  Why  curious?" 

"  Unusually,  then.  Do  you  know  I  think  Rob  singu- 
larly attracted  by  beautiful  women.  He  always  admired 
Fay  Collamore  greatly.  And  you  all  say  she  is  so  hand- 
some." 

"  Her  beauty  alone  could  not  win  him  back." 

"  But  duty  might,"  Kathie  returned  gravely.  "  Still,  we 
never  could  give  up  Bertie.  It  always  seems  to  me  as  if 
her  mother  must  be  dead." 

Uncle  Robert  stooped  to  kiss  the  baby  lips.  "  She  is 
mine,"  he  said,  "  to  comfort  me  after  you  all  go  away." 

Kathie  smiled.  She  had  been  glancing  over  Fay's  let- 
ter. Miss  Collamore's  episode  had  not  culminated  in  an 
engagement ;  why,  she  knew  best.  Just  at  that  juncture 
Louise  had  been  taken  seriously  ill  with  a  fever,  and  Mr. 
Hunsdon  had  called  on  Fay's  sisterly  offices.  On  her  par- 
tial recovery  they  had  been  sent  to  the  mountains. 

"  Mrs.  Hunsdon  is  doing  beautifully,"  Kathie  announced ; 
"  and  oh,  Dick  Gray  son  is  up  there !  How  odd  they  should 
stumble  over  each  other !'" 

Then  she  opened  Sarah's  letter,  and  before  she  had 
read  a  dozen  lines  she  uttered  another  exclamation. 

"  Uncle  Robert,  listen  to  this.  Mr.  Truesdell  has  an  ex- 
cellent call  to  Westport.  The  church  is  quite  large,  united, 
and  flourishing,  the  salary  very  fair,  and  a  house.  Two 


334  WHOM  KATHIB  MARRIED. 

of  Sarah's  pupils  are  married  and  settled  there.  It  seema 
like  such  a  splendid  opportunity  —  " 

"  Well? "  filling  the  pause. 

"  To  live  a  broader  life.  For,  after  all,  there  is  just  so 
much  of  a  round  in  Middle ville,  and  no  more.  They  have 
conquered  their  place  and  a  peace,  I  might  say  respect,  for 
I  do  think  Sarah's  wise  patience  has  served  to  unite  and 
raise  the  very  ordinary  congregation.  I  should  like  to 
see  her  at  her  best  estate.  And  Charlie  has  a  high  opin- 
ion of  Mr.  Truesdell." 

She  could  quote  Charlie  again  quite  comfortably.  He 
would  not  let  the  break  make  a  difference.  Mrs.  Alston 
had  become  quite  reconciled,  though  he  had  said  to  her, 
"  I  cannot  give  up  my  old  love  for  you  ;  it  has  in  it  all  a 
son's  reverence." 

Oddly  enough  Charlie  and  Rob  had  been  great  friends 
of  late.  They  all  discerned  a  gradual  change  in  the  latter. 

"  Rob  is  growing  wonderfully  like  uncle,"  declared  Fred 
daily. 

"  I  think  Mr.  Truesdell  well  fitted  for  a  much  larger 
sphere.  I  wondered  at  first  how  he  could  resign  himself  to 
the  place,  though  there  is  a  work  everywhere." 

Mrs.  Alston  came  out  presently,  and  was  delighted  with 
the  news. 

"  I  do  think  Ruth  is  very  tired  of  rambling  about,"  she 
said.  "  I  hope  now  they  have  come  to  stay." 

Kathie  arranged  the  gu/est  chamber  again,  and  made  it 
sweet  with  flowers.  Would  Bruce  come  or  not?  How 
oddly  quiet  it  would  be  this  summer.  Emma  was  away 
painting  some  seaside  views  that  had  been  ordered.  The 
olden,  merrj'  group  were  scattered  far  and  wide  ;  even  the 
Merediths  were  going  elsewhere,  and  would  not  spend 
more  than  a  fortnight  at  Brookside. 

Mrs.  Alston  and  Kathie  went  over  in  the  family  carriage. 
There  was  dear  Aunt  Ruth,  grown  a  little  older,  but  sweet 
as  ever,  and  the  General,  looking  much  better  than  last 
year. 


WHOM   KATHIE  MARRIED.  335 

"  And  no  Bruce  ! "  Kathie  said.  There  was  not  a  very 
keen  disappointment  in  her  tone. 

"Oh,  the  boys  took  possession  of  him  at  once  !  I  began 
to  wonder  if  I  had  any  rights  in  my  own  son,"  said  the 
General  with  an  assumption  of  injury.  "  I  shall  have  to 
come  to  you  for  comfort,  as  I  have  times  before." 

Kathie  slipped  her  hand  into  his.  It  seemed  almost  like 
going  back  to  the  happy  childhood  when  she  first  knew  him. 
And  she  remembered  how  he  had  asked  permission  to  bring 
Bruce  to  Cedarwood,  that  long-ago  summer. 

"  Am  I  to  be  left  quite  out  in  the  cold?"  she  asked. 
"  I  am  learning  that  the  boys  can  do  very  well  without  me  ; 
the  end  of  youthful  admiration,  I  suppose." 

They  took  up  Uncle  Robert  at  the  post-office,  and  Bertie 
was  running  about  the  lawn  watching  for  him. 

"How  wonderfully  like  Rob  in  his  babyhood !"  Aunt 
Ruth  said. 

"  She  is  the  happiest  of  all  happy  children,"  said  Mrs. 
Alston.  "  I  wonder  at  it  sometimes;  but  I  think  much 
of  it  is  due  to  Mrs.  Fleming's  judicious  nursing  and  train- 
ing. I  am  thankful  she  fell  into  such  good  hands." 

Cedarwood  was  so  quiet  and  restful.  It  had  that  well- 
used  home  look,  nothing  obtrusive,  nothing  that  had  been 
thrust  in,  but  the  general  growth  of  needed  things,  of 
beauty  thought  and  planned  year  after  year.  The  great 
porch  now  was  rich  in  vines,  that  gave  shade  by  day  and 
sweetness  at  night.  They  went  out  in  the  evening  and 
talked  over  the  many  happenings  of  the  j'ear  and  more 
since  the  last  parting. 

Bruce  was  quite  recovered  in  health  and  strength,  but 
there  would  always  be  a  little  weakness  about  the  hip  joint 
that  would  need  thoughtfulness,  if  not  care,  and  would 
not  admit  of  a  life  of  hardship.  He  h#d  sent  in  his  army 
resignation  and  turned  his  attention  to  literary  pursuits,  in 
which  he  had  done  a  little  at  the  West.  They  would  always 
have  him  now. 


336  WHOM  KATHTE   MARRIED. 

Kathie  listened  with  a  thrill  of  interest.  She  wondered 
she  had  not  suspected  Bruce's  penchant  the  winter  of  his 
illness,  when  they  used  to  read  and  talk  so  much. 

He  was  to  be  down  in  a  day  or  two.  Rob  meant  to  get 
a  holiday  and  come  with  him. 

"  I  must  congratulate  you  on  your  fine  and  manly  son, 
Mrs.  Alston,"  the  General  said.  "  If  I  had  none  of  my 
own  I  should  want  to  adopt  him." 

The  mother  smiled,  pleased  with  a  deeper  joy  than  mere 
satisfaction  in  a  handsome  presence. 

They  enjoyed  another  day  resting  up.  A  telegram  from 
Bruce  saying  he  would  be  down  the  next  evening  with 
Robert. 

Kathie  was  in  a  curious  little  maze  of  excitement,  inno- 
cent, glad,  and  girlish.  Their  coming  seemed  to  have 
taken  her  out  of  the  rather  grave  present.  Everything 
appeared  fresh,  and  bright,  and  hopeful. 

They  were  planning  some  pleasure  the  next  morning 
when  a  messenger  came  with  another  telegram  for  Mr. 
Conover.  He  opened  it  and  looked  rather  disturbed. 

"Not bad  news?"  said  Kathie. 

He  hated  to  damp  her  joy.  "  I  hardly  know,"  slowly. 
"There  is  some  change  at  Chicago.  I  think  I  shall  have 
to  go,  anu  it  might  be  better  to  take  Rob.  I  must  go  to 
the  city  immediately,"  rising  with  unwonted  alacrity. 

She  misunderstood,  and  he  did  not  correct  her,  but  he 
told  Mrs.  Alston  the  full  import.  There  had  been  so  many 
little  improvements  that  a  partial  recovery  had  been  spoken 
of,  and  Kathie  took  this  as  an  indication  of  it.  There  was 
a  brief  hurry  and  no  time  to  ask  questions. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adams  came  over 
to  call  on  the  Mackenzies. 

"  You  will  have  to  drive  down  for  Bruce,"  said  the  Gen- 
eral smilingl}*  to  Kathie. 

"Yes,  I  will  honor  him  with  my  pony  phaeton.  Oh, 
can  you  really  believe  that  Bruce  has  never  been  here 


WHOM   KATHLE   MARRIED.  337 

since  his  return  from  Europe  ?    Why,  it  will  seem  quite  a 
new  place  to  him." 

A  slight  flush  touched  the  father's  face.  He  knew  the 
reason  so  well ;  she  was  so  innocent  of  it.  Ah,  if  Bruce 
should  fail  this  time  ! 

She  drove  slowly  down  ;  there  was  plenty  of  time.  As 
she  sat  there  in  the  phaeton  she  wondered  if  she  had  bet- 
ter get  out  on  the  platform.  If  he  was  watching  he  could 
surely  see  her. 

The  train  came  whistling  and  crunching  on  the  rails, 
and  all  the  air  was  hazy  for  a  moment.  Then  a  confusion 
of  forms  and  faces,  and  yes,  a  wave  of  the  hand  that 
brought  the  bright  color  to  her  cheek. 

"  Kathie !  " 

"  Bruce ! " 

It  was  all  they  said  for  the  first  instant.  Then  Kathie's 
expectant,  uplifted  eyes  wavered,  trembled.  She  made  a 
pretence  of  turning  aside  the  robe  and  giving  him  the 
seat.  There  was  a  curious  rushing  consciousness,  a  sur- 
ging of  blood  at  her  heart,  a  sort  of  deep  sea  ringing  in 
her  ears,  and  her  hand  trembled. 

He  took  it  in  his  so  fond  and  warm.  He  almost  knew. 
Her  fingers  had  never  throbbed  under  his  pressure  before, 
and  her  breath  came  in  a  great  gasp. 

"  How  awkward  ! "  she  said.  "  You  are  in  the  driver's 
seat  and  must  do  duty.  Every  rank  in  life  has  its  corre- 
sponding penalties." 

u  These  are  not  very  severe."  He  straightened  himself 
up.  How  brown  and  well  he  looked,  and  how  softly 
bright  his  eyes  were,  as  if  some  fire  was  veiled  in  their 
depths. 

"  We  were  all  so  surprised,"  she  said  at  length.  "  You 
did  not  go  to  Egypt." 

"  No,  my  next  tour  will  be  straight  around  the  world,  I 
think,"  laughingly.     "  But  I  should  like  to  stay  at  home 
five  years,  at  least." 
22 


338  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

Five  years.  Why  should  it  seem  so  brief  to  her?  And 
then  — 

"  Which  way?    You  see  I  am  a  stranger." 

"  Hero  would  know,  anyhow,"  with  a  bright  smile. 
"  But  it  has  changed  wonderfully  since  you  were  here." 

u  That  was  so  long  ago.  What  a  lovely  avenue  !  And 
there  is  the  lake.  And  Cedarwood !  Why,  it  is  like  some 
beautiful  dream." 

"I  have  brought  your  son  home  to  }'ou,"  Kathie  ex- 
claimed as  she  sprang  out  of  the  phaeton  beside  General 
Mackenzie. 

He  bent  and  kissed  her  tenderly.  Once  he  had  said 
almost  the  same  words  to  her  mother. 

"  Then  Robert  went  on  to  Chicago?"  Mrs.  Alston  asked, 
as  she  shook  hands  with  the  distinguished-looking  young 
man. 

Kathie  blushed  vividly.  How  could  she  have  forgotten 
everything  ? 

"  Yes,"  Bruce  made  answer.  "  Mr.  Conover  thought  it 
better,  I  believe." 

They  all  walked  in  together.  Kathie  ran  to  her  room 
and  tried  to  bathe  some  of  the  troublesome  color  out  of 
her  face.  What  had  happened  to  her?  Surely  she  was 
not  used  to  this  much  excitement  over  so  simple  a  thing  as 
the  coming  of  a  visitor. 

They  had  a  strangely  quiet  evening.  A  sense  of  satis- 
faction pervaded  them  all,  and,  after  the  first  few  inquiries 
about  absent  friends,  Kathie  went  to  the  piano  and  played 
some  of  the  old  things  that  had  been  such  a  rare  pleasure  to 
Bruce  that  remembered  winter.  Ah,  why  should  she  think 
of  them  now  ?  Was  it  comfort  again  ?  He  sat  and  listened 
as  if  in  a  trance.  There  was  only  the  light  in  the  hall  and 
the  moon  flooding  the  room  through  the  open  windows. 
All  was  so  mysteriously  sacred,  as  if  he  had  gone  into  some 
dream  country  and  was  listening  to  the  flow  of  soft,  wind- 
ing streams,  of  silver  bells  blown  about  by  the  wind. 


WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED.  339 

She  was  there.  She  was  free  for  him.  Honor  had  held 
her  so  securely  before,  that  there  had  been  no  temptation. 
And  the  grand,  generous  heart  that  had  given  her  up, 
the  dear  friend  of  her  childhood  and  }Touth  ?  For  an  instant 
it  seemed  to  Bruce  as  if  he  ought  not  to  accept  the  sac- 
rifice. 

The  soft  flow  of  music  ceased.  She  came  over  to  the 
sofa  with  a  curious,  half-unconscious  nearness. 

"Havel  played  you  asleep?  I  used  to  do  that,  you 
know?" 

He  took  both  hands  in  his  and  drew  her  nearer.  His 
love  was  such  an  old  familiar  thing  to  him,  but  quite  new 
and  strange  to  her,  he  could  see  that.  Yet  was  it  awak- 
ening ? 

"  You  were  so  good  to  me  through  those  days  of  pain." 
The  voice  was  tenderly  suggestive.  She  drew  her  hands 
softly  away  again.  What  was  this  coming  upon  her? 

"  Let  us  go  out  and  walk,"  he  said.  "  The  night  is  so 
lovely." 

It  was  stifling  here,  she  thought.  The  others  sat  at  the 
lower  end  of  the  room,  talking  in  a  low  tone.  They  passed 
them  and  went  out  on  the  porch,  down  the  steps.  The 
wide,  warm  night  lay  all  about  them,  the  stars  glowed  softly 
overhead,  and  the  very  grass  at  their  feet  quivered  as  the 
tender  wind  swept  over  it.  It  was  so  new  to  her,  though 
she  had  seen  it  hundreds  of  times  before.  An  enchantment 
transfixed  her. 

"  Kathie,"  he  cried  suddenly,  and  his  tone  seemed  to 
penetrate  every  pulse  with  its  sweetness,  —  "Kathie,  do 
you  know,  can  you  think,  why  I  have  come  back?  I  can- 
not wait  for  the  tardy  hours  to  whisper  my  secret.  I  love 
you !  I  have  loved  you  always,  it  seems  to  me,  and  now 
that  you  are  free  I  have  come  to  win,  if  possible,  the  great 
joy  of  my  life  !  " 

"  Oh  !  "  She  uttered  a  sharp,  pathetic  cry.  "  I  wonder  if 
I  would  have  the  right  to  take  the  joy  at  so  high  a  price  ? 


340  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

For  I  have  wounded  the  noblest  heart,  and  it  seems  as  if 
my  life  could  be  none  too  long  a  penance  —  " 

"  He  gave  you  to  me,  my  darling.  His  great  love  was 
not  content  with  merely  setting  3-011  free,  he  wrote.  I 
can  almost  guess  how  he  learned  my  secret,  and  bade  me 
come  back  and  try.  For  I  should  not  have  come  other- 
wise for  years,  unless  you  had  been  his  wife.  I  did  not 
mean  to  be  tempted  with  the  portion  put  aside  for  an- 
other. I  waited  at  first  because  my  father  thought  it  best, 
and  all  that  long  winter  I  wonder  if  I  sometimes  ap- 
peared unthankful  to  you  ;  but  God  was  keeping  me  away 
from  the  temptation  I  could  so  illy  bear,  on  the  safe,  sweet 
side.  I  am  so  glad  I  never  wronged  Charlie  in  word  or 
deed.  But  now,  now,  Kathie?  " 

What  was  this  sudden  thrill  of  desire,  this  great  wave  of 
intense  satisfaction  that  flooded  her  heart  like  a  high  tide 
and  floated  her  toward  him  with  no  doubt  or  question  ? 
She  could  not  ask  if  it  were  love,  she  was  simply  and 
supremely  content. 

He  drew  her  toward  him  and  kissed  the  dewy,  throb- 
bing lips.  She  remembered  then  so  many  little  events, 
flashes,  something  shown  and  withheld  at  the  same 
moment.  Why  could  she  not  have  seen  ?  And  if  she  had 
seen,  would  she  not  have  believed  it  her  duty  to  uproot 
every  fibre  of  an  unlawful  longing?  Yes,  her  right  to  take 
this  love  now,  lay  in  the  fact  of  truth,  perfect  and  entire  ; 
she  had  never  made  any  kind  of  barter  with  her  own  soul. 

"  Kathie ! "  The  tone  was  so  soft,  so  entreating,  so 
lover-like,  impatient. 

She  put  her  hands  in  his,  for  she  could  not  speak  just 
then.  It  was  so  new,  so  delicious,  so  overwhelming. 
Ah,  she  knew  now. 

The}-  walked  up  and  down  the  path  in  happy  silence. 
The  fragrant  wind,  the  rhythmic  stars,  the  satisfaction  of 
the  whole  world,  told  their  story  for  them.  Was  it 
moments  or  a  lifetime  ? 


WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED.  341 

"  "We  must  go  in,"  she  said  in  timid  entreaty.  The 
girl's  delicate  sense  was  returning.  There  was  a  nutter  in 
her  face,  in  every  pulse. 

He  turned  and  led  her  back,  up  the  steps,  her  hand  in 
his,  her  face  shyly  averted  with  the  strange,  new  knowl- 
edge, the  girlish  abashment. 

"  Truants  !  "  her  mother  exclaimed. 

Kathie  was  thankful  for  the  shaded  lights,  the  fragrant 
dusk,  the  carelessly  unconscious  tone. 

"  Yes,  it  is  getting  late,"  she  said  in  a  rich,  tremulous 
voice  that  missed  her  mother,  but  caught  Aunt  Ruth's 
longing  ear. 

She  rose  hastily.  "  I  suppose  it  is  time  we  broke  up 
our  conclave,"  with  a  little  smile.  "  Kathie,  my  darling, 
good  night,"  with  a  tender  kiss. 

She  went  to  her  mother,  and  then  held  out  her  hand  to 
the  General,  but  she  had  no  courage  to  raise  her  eyes 
to  Bruce.  They  all  went  up-stairs  together,  and  said 
another  good-night. 

Kathie  hurried  to  her  room.  She  made  quick  work  with 
her  toilet,  for  she  wanted  to  be  in  the  dark  and  the 
silence  to  think.  She  buried  her  face  in  the  pillow  as  if 
to  stifle  its  heat  and  blushes.  Was  this  great  happiness 
for  her?  Could  she,  dared  she,  feel  at  home  and  rejoice 
in  it? 

She  lingered  the  next  morning  until  she  heard  them  all 
go  down.  If  Uncle  Robert  were  here. 

Bruce  was  waiting  for  her  in  the  hall,  his  eyes  luminous 
with  happiness,  his  face  full  of  grand  content. 

"They  all  know,"  he  whispered ;  and  then  she  seemed  in 
the  midst  of  them,  receiving  approval  in  their  tender 
kisses.  But  she  could  not  talk  about  it.  Aunt  Ruth  saw 
that  and  came  to  her  rescue,  shielding  her  from  obtrusive 
demonstrations. 

"  I  hope  you  have  made  no  mistake  this  time,  Kathie," 
her  mother  said  afterward,  gently,  yet  as  if  she  could  not 
quite  forget. 


342  WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED. 

"  O  mamma,  I  wonder  if  I  have  a  right  to  take  so 
exquisite  a  happiness  !  " 

"Yes,  you  foolish  little  child."  And  with  the  kiss  she 
gave,  vanished  the  last  remnant  of  bitterness. 

"  But  I  do  not  want  to  make  any  real  promise  until 
Uncle  Robert  comes.  And  oh,  if — " 

"  It  will  be  well  with  them,"  Mrs.  Alston  rejoined  hur- 
riedly. "  That  must  not  mar  your  delight." 

"  And  so  I  shall  have  my  little  girl,"  the  General  said 
with  deep  emotion.  "  Kathie,  the  first  time  I  saw  you, 
a  strange  little  girl  in  a  box  at  the  opera,  you  went  straight 
to  my  heart.  I  wanted  you  then,  and  if  you  had  not  been 
so  well  loved  and  sheltered  I  should  have  begged  to  adopt 
you.  But  how  do  }fou  suppose  Uncle  Robert  and  I  will 
ever  get  it  settled  ?  " 

Uncle  Robert  telegraphed  when  he  reached  Chicago. 
The  poor  invalid  was  living.  More  than  that  he  would 
not  say,  for  he  had  a  faint  presentiment  there  might  be  a 
sacred  joy  at  Cedarwood  that  he  would  not  disturb. 

But  they  had  found  Robert's  wife  unconscious,  slowly 
breathing  her  last.  There  had  been  two  strokes  of  paral- 
ysis in  rapid  succession.  Up  to  the  time  of  the  first  seiz- 
ure they  had  considered  her  improving,  and  began  to  hope 
for  partial  restoration. 

One  side  of  her  face  had  been  a  little  drawn,  but  she 
lay  calm  and  still  beautiful.  There  was  no  change  through 
the  hours,  and  death  came  so  silently  at  last  that  the  trained 
eye  of  the  nurse  hardly  told  when  the  little  nicker  of  life 
went  out. 

"  It  seems  very  sad,"  Robert  Alston  said,  when  they  re- 
turned to  the  hotel.  "  I  cannot  pretend  to  any  deep  grief, 
for  her  utter  indifference  destroyed  what  might  have  been 
affection  on  my  part,  and  yet  to-day  I  give  thanks  that 
God  kept  me  from  any  wild,  desperate  act.  I  might  have 
made  myself,  in  my  madness,  the  very  thing  I  so  hated  and 
despised  in  her.  O  Uncle  Robert,  I  believe  I  did  learn 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  343 

at  last  to  be  patient  in  God's  time,  to  do  the  work  ap- 
pointed for  my  transgression,  and  until  3-011  came,  a  few 
days  ago,  I  had  no  thought  of  her  dying,  of  my  freedom. 
I  had  so  resolved  to  live  that  I  should  not  be  ashamed  or 
confused  at  the  last,  to  ask  for  nothing." 

He  bowed  his  head  and  wept  silently.  Uncle  Robert 
laid  his  hand  affectionately  on  the  shoulder. 

"  It  has  been  a  hard  fight,  my  dear  boy,  but  you  have 
come  off  conqueror." 

"  '  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  us  the  victory.'  "  He 
rose  as  he  reverently  uttered  this.  "  And,  Uncle  Robert, 
I  think  no  boy,  no  young  man,  ever  had  a  truer,  stronger 
friend  than  you  have  been  to  me.  All  that  is  fine  and 
noble  in  me  I  shall  owe  to  you  and  Charlie  Darrell." 

"  There  was  some  good  soil,  Rob."  And  the  elder  smiled 
in  his  old,  meaning  way.  "  It  was  a  rich  soil,  and  the  great 
struggle  was  which  should  grow  the  fastest,  the  wheat  or 
the  tares." 

' '  And  you  have  been  a  faithful  gardener.  My  whole 
life  from  this  time  must  be  an  endeavor  to  repay  you.  For 
you  took  all  the  burden,  all  the  trouble.  What  if  I 
had  been  left  alone?"  And  he  shuddered,  remembering 
many  bitter  hours. 

"  God  never  leaves  us  quite  alone  unless  we  place  our- 
selves outside  of  help,  and  reject  it  because  it  is  not  what 
we  want,  paying  no  regard  to  ou^real  needs.  But  I  had 
my  reward  the  night  Charlie  Darrell  helped  you  to  decide." 

Robert  Alston's  wife  was  buried  in  a  quiet  corner  of  the 
cemetery.  The  one  name  on  her  headstone,  "Addie,"  would 
tell  no  story  to  the  passer-by.  Her  mother  had  been  once 
to  the  asylum,  but  had  left  no  address,  and  with  the  notice 
in  the  paper  Mr.  Conover  considered  their  duty  ended. 

He  had  written  to  Mrs.  Alston,  but  he  knew  he  would 
reach  home  almost  as  soon  as  the  letter.  He  came  by 
himself  and  walked  up  from  the  station,  finding  Mrs.  Als- 
ton quite  alone,  to  his  great  satisfaction. 


344  WHOM  KATHIE  MARRIED. 

"  Robert  wants  you  very  much,"  he  said  after  the  first 
news  was  told.  "  The  boys  are  all  at  the  Merediths,  with 
the  housekeeper,  and  it  would  be  more  agreeable  to  Rob  to 
have  you  to  himself  awhile,  if  you  would  not  mind  going." 

"  I  think  I  can  be  spared,  and  I  must  see  my  boy,"  she 
answered  with  deep  feeling. 

It  was  arranged  that  she  should  start  the  next  morning. 
The  others  came  back  from  their  drive,  and  the  evening 
was  spent  discussing  graver  subjects  than  those  of  love ; 
but  Uncle  Robert  was  quite  satisfied.  His  questions  were 
answered  by  the  deep^oy  in  Kathie's  eyes,  and  the  color 
that  mantled  her  cheek  at  a  thought,  the  quick  flutter  in 
her  voice,  and  the  many  little  signs  that  told  how  deeply 
her  heart  had  been  touched. 

"  Conover,"  the  General  said,  as  he  was  pacing  the  long 
drawing-room  that  evening,  "  you  and  I  of  all  other  men 
must  give  thanks  for  the  blessing  vouchsafed  to  us  in  our 
boys.  I  think  you  can  hardly  have  a  doubt  about  the 
future.  And  it  is  the  young  men  of  the  present  who  are  to 
be  the  statesmen,  rulers,  and  fathers  of  the  next  genera- 
tion Can  we,  dare  we  turn  them  adrift  with  no  firm  prin- 
ciples and  ill-regulated  wills,  no  strict  sense  of  honor, 
integrity,  and  manliness,  no  definite  purpose  of  fighting 
and  conquering  the  temptations  on  every  side  ?  If  we  fail 
in  our  duty,  and  what  is  more,  our  example,  what  shall 
they  believe  ?  And  ouif  country's  future  welfare  depends 
upon  them.  It  has  a  wider  significance  than  our  own 
small  lives." 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

KATHIE  ALSTON'S  marriage  was  set  down  for  Christmas. 
She  chose  the  day,  because  there  were  so  many  sweet  and 
sacred  memories  connected  with  it. 

"  And  you  know,  mamma,"  she  said,  "  I  was  reading 
my  Christmas  fair}*  book  the  day  that  I  first  began  to  think 
what  I  ought  really  to  do,  that  I  wanted  to  be  a  fairy  for 
your  sake,  when  we  were  so  poor  and  Aunt  Ruth  was  ill." 

Mrs.  Alston  smiled.  She  was  enjoying  her  daughter's 
happiness  without  stint,  and  surely  the  fine-looking  Lieu- 
tenant Mackenzie  was  enough  to  gratify  any  mother's 
pride. 

But  Kathie  did  not  lose  interest  in  her  old  friends  amid 
the  new  anticipations.  She  was  glad  to  welcome  back  the 
summer  sti^s,  and  find  Mrs.  Huusdon  quite  restored  to 
health  and  Fa}'  sisterly  sweet.  Then,  too,  Sarah's  affairs 
called  for  some  attention. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Truesdell  came  down  for  a  day.  Mr. 
Truesdell  wished  to  consult  Mr.  Conover,  for  he  relied 
greatly  on  his  judgment. 

"  My  people  are  all  very  united  now,  and  I  think  would 
be  truly  sorry  to  have  me  go,"  he  said,  "  but  the  social 
life  is  narrow,  and  there  can  be  no  great  gathering  in. 
Some  young  man  or  some  elderly  shepherd  could  fill  my 
place,  while  it  seems  to  me  I  am  fitted  for  the  heat  and  the 
burden  of  the  day.  I  want  to  do  a  wider  work.  And 
Mrs.  Truesdell  would  be  of  so  much  service  in  the  great 
world.  It  seems  like  wasting  time  and  energy,  although 
nothing,  I  suppose,  is  really  wasted.  But  I  do  not  want  to 
feel  that  the  larger  salary  draws  me.  Although  we  could 


346  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

have  as  many  comforts  at  Middleville  on  the  smaller  sum, 
I  dare  say,  Westport  is  wider.  There  is  a  class  of  young 
people,  mill  hands  and  in  shops,  that  ought  to  be  reached 
find  interested.  They  are  too  often  left  out  between  the 
wealth}'  and  the  class  on  which  we  expend  sympathy  and 
charity,  and  they  go  to  ruin  by  scores.  Mrs.  Truesdell 
could  be  of  great  service  in  such  a  work." 

"  I  think  there  is  no  question,"  Mr.  Conover  returned. 
"  The  world  needs  constant,  steady  workers,  and  every 
man  ought  to  deal  his  best  blows  where  they  will  tell. 
There  is  too  much  waste  of  positive  material  in  your  spend- 
ing both  your  lives  in  a  little  place  like  Middleville." 

Sarah  and  Kathie  discussed  it  as  well,  with  the  fine, 
strong  conscientiousness  of  the  former.  And  yet  Sarah 
was  deeply  interested  in  Kathie's  prospects,  a  little  disap- 
j>ointed  that  it  had  not  all  come  to  pass  as  first  planned. 

"  You  would  have  been  drawn  so  closely  into  my  life," 
she  said.  "  I  used  to  think  how  we  would  compare,  and 
plan,  and  strive  to  the  utmost.  And  yet  my  first  fancy 
was  that  you  would  marry  Bruce  Mackenzie." 

Kathie  blushed  brightl}'. 

Fay  had  said  the  same  thing.  The  first  time  she  had 
heard  of  Bruce  she  had  set  the  unknown  hero  beside  Kathie. 

They  were  all  well  satisfied  when  they  heard,  a  week 
later,  that  Mr.  Truesdell  had  accepted,  and  would  remove 
as  soon  as  possible,  wames  Strong  had  married  a  nice, 
tidy,  sensible  girl,  one  of  his  sister's  pupils,  and  his 
parents  were  much  pleased. 

There  was  a  great  deal  of  planning  and  going  to  and  fro. 
After  the  wedding  the  Mackenzie  family  would  settle 
themselves  in  New  York,  but  in  the  spring  they  would 
return  to  Brookside  permanantly  and  set  up  a  household 
of  their  own.  Rob  was  delighted.  No  brothers  of  blood 
could  be  nearer  or  tenderer.  His  regard  for  Charlie  Dar- 
rell  was  something  sacred  and  reverential,  and,  indeed,  on 
this  ground  Bruce's  warmest  sympathies  met  and  blended 


•WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  3*7 

with  his.  The  deeper  side  of  both  natures  had  been  stirred 
by  this  gentler  spirit  which  had  taken  fast  hold  intellects 
ally  and  spiritually  upon  the  deeper  things  of  God. 

Robert  Alston  was  a  little  more  grave,  perhaps,  yet  when 
the  first  shock  was  over,  of  the  event  he  had  never  allowed 
himself  to  imagine  since  that  fearful  night,  could  be.  and 
he  was  somewhat  accustomed  to  a  sense  of  freedom,  he 
settled  readily  into  the  new  sphere.  He  was  the  elder 
brother,  the  stay  and  comfort  of  his  mother.  Out  of  all 
the  wild  waves  beating  upon  the  shore  this  gem  had  been 
rescued.  He  would  always  have  a  broad,  genial  nature,  a 
quick  eye,  and  a  keen  sense  of  fun,  he  would  be  strong  of 
will  and  desire,  just  as  he  was  strong  of  brain  and  limb, 
the  sort  of  man  who  at  middle  life  leaves  an  impress  on 
everything  he  touches,  and  is  always  fascinating  to  the 
3~oung  out  of  the  abundant  vitality  and  sympathy  of  their 
natures. 

He  had  consented  that  Uncle  Robert  should  legally 
adopt  Bertha. 

"  It  will  be  much  better,"  the  uncle  had  said  to  Mrs. 
Alston.  "  Robert  may  marry  ;  it  is  right  that  he  should, 
for  a  nature  like  his  needs  the  tie  and  interest  of  a  family, 
the  warmth  of  feeling,  and  incentive  to  the  highest  of  all 
motives,  love  for  others.  Bertha  would  never  seem  a  real 
child  to  him,  and  might  suffer  a  little  from  being  uninten- 
tionally put  aside.  I  shall  like  her  for  an  interest  in  my 
own  life  after  Kathie  has  gone." 

"O  Uncle  Robert!"  the  young  girl  cried  with  deep 
emotion.  "  Why  did  3'Ou  not  marry  and  have  a  house  full 
of  girls?  You  make  such  a  lovely  father  that  daughters 
ought  to  rise  up  and  call  you  blessed." 

A  luminous  tenderness  filled  his  eyes. 

"  I  shall  have  two  daughters,"  he  said  softly. 

They  approached  the  marriage  gradually.  There  was 
a  sacred  myster}'  about  it  to  both  Bruce  and  Kathie  that 
could  not  be  dragged  about  and  inspected,  or  robed  in  the 


348  WHOM   KATHIE   MARRIED. 

gear  of  common  talk.  It  seized  and  held  them  with  a 
touch  of  deep  and  vital  joy,  a  blessedness  that  was  to  set 
them  a  little  apart  from  the  old  life  and  old  friends,  to 
give  them  an  insight  into  that  greater  mystery,  that  living 
completeness.  They  were  happy  with  all  the  joy  and 
sweetness  of  youth  and  undisturbed  love. 

Cedarwood  was  made  beautiful  again.  All  without  was 
covered  with  white,  new-fallen  snow.  There  was  a  sacred 
hush  in  the  very  air,  and  when  the  sun  came  out,  with  its 
warmth  and  glitter,  the  whole  earth  seemed  attired  as  a 
bride. 

The  bells  were  ringing  Christmas  peals  as  she  came 
down-stairs  in  her  white  array,  her  soft  veil  falling  to  her 
feet,  enshrining  her  in  a  still,  mysterious  temple  of  girl- 
hood ;  her  fair  hair  twined  about  with  lilies  of  the  valley  ; 
and  her  sweet  face  a  little  startled  perhaps,  but  reverent 
in  the  unseen  sacredness  of  the  blessing  to  be  given  and 
received  with  a  pure,  untroubled  heart. 

Bruce  Mackenzie  took  her  from  her  uncle's  hand.  They 
bowed  their  heads,  the  solemn  questions  were  asked,  the 
irrevocable  answers  given,  the  blessing  pronounced.  He 
put  aside  the  soft  enfolding  draperies  and  kissed  her,  his 
wife,  and  she  glanced  up  to  the  proud,  manly  figure  with  a 
great  tremble  of  awe  and  content.  They  were  quite  still 
for  many  seconds,  before  any  one  spoke,  as  if  they  were 
silently  entering  into  the  profound  mystery  of  the  new 
relation. 

There  was  much  joy  and  many  tender  wishes  from 
friends  and  relatives.  Kathie  moved  around  in  her  wraith- 
like  cloud,  her  face  touched  with  a  luminous  radiance. 
Well  that  she  was  not  to  give  up  these  dear  ones  forever, 
that  the  distance  between  was  only  the  spiritual  sacrament, 
not  any  actual  separation. 

She  kept  the  feast  with  them  until  mid-afternoon,  then 
the  two  went  out  to  try  one  small  glimpse  of  the  new  life 
with  only  each  other. 


WHOM  KATHIE   MARRIED.  349 

"  It  was  ,so  lovely,"  Fay  Collamore  said  afterward. 
"  Just  that  quiet  serenity,  with  no  haste  or  disturbance. 
Kathie  Alston  never  hurried  any  sure  awaiting,  and  she 
has  come  to  the  right  joy,  to  the  certain  peace." 

It  was  summer  agnin  at  Cedarwood.  There  was  the 
same  wide,  hospitable  life  ;  Uncle  Robert  would  not  let  it 
flag.  Almost  before  the}7  knew  it  Bertie  would  be  grow- 
ing up  to  girlhood,  laughing,  loving,  caressing  little  Bertie, 
who  hud  kept  them  from  missing  Kathie  too  sorely.  The 
Mackenzie  home  was  not  far  distant,  and  the  General  was 
slipping  into  a  delightful,  restful  evening  of  life,  taking 
pride  in  his  son's  new  venture,  and  ending  the  praise  the 
world  accorded  him,  and  loving  Kathie  with  all.  the  fervor 
of  a  father. 

They  had  a  bright,  genial,  neighborhood  life.  There 
were  pursuits  and  children,  joys  and  anticipations.  Mr. 
Meredith  was  growing  stout,  but  kept  his  olden  laughing 
vivacity.  There  were  three  babies  now,  and  Jessie  was 
charming  in  her  matronly  ways.  Emma  Langdon  had 
added  a  lovely  little  girl  to  the  group,  and  still  found  time 
for  her  art,  as  Louise  did  for  her  needle-work.  Fred  had 
come  home  a  newly  fledged  physician,  but  Rob  adhered  to 
his  old  plan  of  making  a  fortune  before  he  devoted  him- 
self to  science,  though  he  and  Fred  had  many  a  good 
stud}'  between  them. 

But  it  was  not  the  fortune  he  was  thinking  of  now.  He 
had  been  walking  along  the  edge  of  the  small  lake  that  had 
been  such  a  pleasure  and  comfort  to  him  in  boyhood,  and 
now  he  had  the  arm  of  the 'tall,  fair  girl  beside  him  linked 
in  his,  and  was  holding  her  hand  in  a  fond  clasp  when  it 
was  not  pressed  to  his  lips.  For  he  had  asked  and  she 
had  answered  the  great  question  of  his  life,  of  both  lives. 

"  No,  Fay,"  he  was  saying,  "  don't  make  a  hero  of  me, 
I  do  not  deserve  it."  And  for  a  moment  his  voice  was 
husky  with  emotion.  "It  is  an  easy  thing  to  be  brave, 


350  WHOM    KATHIE    MARRIED. 

and  happy,  and  high-hearted  when  everything  goes  well, 
and  there  are  friends  to  hold  you  up,  that  you  dash  not 
your  foot  against  a  stone.  And  I  think  yon  ought  to 
know  —  you  have-  so  much  of  my  life  in  }rour  keeping  — 
that  there  was  once  when  I  had  no  right  to  think  of  you, 
that  I  went  mad  with  passion,  that  I  could  have  taken  any 
step  for  freedom  !  It  was  when  Mr.  Gartney  was  coming. 
I  was  afraid  to  lose  you."  And  his  clasp  tightened.  "  I 
did  not  ask  what  right  I  could  have  in  you,  whether  you 
would  be  likely  to  accept  a  love  flawed  and  stained  with  a 
wrong.  It  was  like  fighting  wild  beasts.  We  never  know 
the  utter  barbarism  of  our  natures  until  in  times  like 
these.  Uncle  Robert  put  up  the  first  bar,  and  between 
him  and  Charlie  Darrell  I  was  saved,  after  I  had  been 
let  to  see  the  thing  I  might  become.  And  then,  my  dar- 
ling, I  placed  you  resolutely  out  of  my  soul.  I  would  not 
covet  or  desire.  If  God  meant  that  all  the  rest  of  my  life 
should  be  spent  in  atoning  for  the  other  mad  moment,  thai 
I  might  have  helped  with  just  one  thought  of  my  mother, 
or  Uncle  Robert,  or  my  duty,  I  would  accept  it.  And  I 
did  truly.  I  thank  God,  who  gave  the  victory,"  bowing 
his  head  reverently.  "  I  did  not  see  you  again  until  I 
had  conquered.  I  said  to  myself,  '  God  bless  her  with 
that  other,  wherever  she  may  go.'  Fay,"  suddenly, 
"  what  happened?  Why  did  you  not  —  "  And  she  knew 
by  the  tremor  that  shook  him  how  hard  it  was  to  put  the 
rest  into  the  sentence. 

"  O  Robert !  "  she  cried  remorsefully,  "  I  am  afraid  I 
made  it  harder  for  you,  meaning  to  be  true  and  upright, 
but  in  my  carelessness,  not  thinking  how  I  might  hurt  aud 
hinder  the  best.  I  was  afraid.  It  was  while  I  was  in  New 
York  at  my  cousin's.  You  were  so  ready  and  kind,  and 
many  little  trifles  occurred  between  us  that  sometimes  filled 
me  with  wild  apprehension.  I  could  see  the  wickedness  of 
our  growing  to  love  each  other.  I  put  Mr.  Gartney 
between.  I  was.  a  coward  to  save  myself  so,  but  I  did 


WHOM   KATHIE    MARRIED.  351 

try  to  love  him.  And  after  a  while  I  saw  the  wrong  and 
shame  of  it,  so  when  Louise  was  ill  I  resolved  it  out  by 
myself.  I  would  not  take  any  love  for  which  I  could  make 
no  fair  return  ;  and  if  the  opportunity  never  came  I  would 
stay  single.  It  would  be  a  horrible  thing  to  put  one's  self 
into  bonds  that  would  presently  become  a  wearing,  drag- 
ging chain ! " 

It  was  a  sweet  knowledge  to  know  she,  too,  had  realized 
the  danger. 

"  You  shall  not  take  the  blame  upon  yourself.  It  was  I 
who  had  no  right  so  to  act.  And  that  is  my  besetting  sin* 
that  awful,  obstinate  wrong- headedness,  that  trying  for  the 
thing  I  want,  right  or  wrong.  I  have  gotten  the  upper 
hand  of  my  '  familiar'  a  little,  I  think,  and  j-ou  must  help 
me,  Fay.  I  want  to  deal  justly  and  walk  humbly,  but  it 
seems  as  if  Fred  and  Kathie  took  the  graces,  and  I  have 
to  make  a  hard  fight  for  the  small,  sweet  virtues." 

"You  will  conquer."     She  uttered  it  proudly. 

"  Let  us  go  up  to  my  mother,"  he  said.  "  Fay,  you 
must  not  be  jealous,  but  I  have  a  good  many  years  of 
mother-love  to  make  up  to  her.  What  a  cub  of  a  boy  I 
used  to  be  in  the  old  times  !  No,  dear ;  there  are  heroes  in 
the  world,  but  I  shall  never  be  one  of  them." 

She  turned  and  kissed  him  through  her  tears.  Was  it 
not  ' '  the  least  among  these  "  who  should  be  greatest  ? 

They  passed  the  gentlemen  on  the  porch,  deep  in  old 
army  reminiscences,  and  saw  the  gleam  of  Mrs.  Alston's 
dress  in  the  dining-room. 

"Mother,"  Rob  said,  with  a  proud,  uplifted  look,  •! 
have  brought  you  my  love,  the  one  sweet,  true  love  of  my 
life.  Will  you  take  her  as  a  daughter?  Shall  we  three  love 
each  other  and  keep  to  each  other  as  long  as  we  all  do  live  ? " 

It  was  the  sacred  solemnity  of  a  troth  plight.  She  had 
her  son  and  her  daughter.  God  had  given  her  the  oil  of 
joy  for  mourning.  A  proud  and  happy  mother,  she  placed 
her  arms  around  them  both  and  kissed  them ;  but  there 
were  tears  shining  in  her  eyes. 


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